DU Magazine Fall 2020

FALL 2020

IINNSSPPIIRREE

ANTICIPATING AND
ADAPTING TO CHANGE

FORWARD WORKING TO LEVEL LEARNING COMMONS
FEARLESSLY THE PLAYING FIELD A new collaborative
COVID-19 is only the Faculty and alumni space centralizes resources
most recent challenge address social inequities for students
Dominican has tackled with caritas and veritas

The Magazine of Dominican University
FALL 2020

PRESIDENT

Donna M. Carroll

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR
EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT

Leslie B. Rodriguez

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica Mackinnon

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Martin Carlino
Margaret Currie

eff ra t
Tina Weinheimer

PROJECT MANAGER

Pam Morin

MAJOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Ryan Pagelow

DESIGN

Jim Bernard Design

Dominican University
7900 W. Division Street
River Forest, Illinois 60305

dom.edu
[email protected]
Dominican Magazine is published twice
yearly by ominican ni ersity or its
alumnae/i and riends e roduction in
whole or part without written permission is
prohibited.

© 2020 Dominican University

ominican ni ersity as ounded by
ioneers ho eren t a raid to blaze their
own trail. The university’s Go First campaign
ac no ledges the isionary s irit o the
Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. It speaks to
our su ort o social mobility and to the
tenacity o our rst-generation students And
it celebrates our alumnae/i breaking barriers
in their elds atch our brand anthem at
do edu o r t.

table of contents

12 DU news

Working to Level the Playing Field 3
U.S. NEWS & WORLD
Alumni and faculty share insights on social inequities made transparent REPORT ranks
by the global pandemic, economic recession and racial unrest. Dominican #10
in the Midwest.

15 4
Dominican faculty and
Forward Fearlessly alumni rally to provide PPE
for those in need.
The current pandemic is only the most recent challenge 6
Dominican has faced, undaunted, through the decades. New book recognizes
University Ministry as
a national role model.

18 7
School of Education
Learning Commons celebrates 35 years of
preparing excellent
Tucked inside the Rebecca Crown Library, Dominican’s newest space teachers.
brings together departments and resources to seamlessly help stu- 8
dents succeed. CARITAS VERITAS
Symposium marks
20 10 years through
virtual
Faculty Focus presentation.

A look at the recent accomplishments of Dominican faculty, including
a new book celebrating the food of Italy.

departments 35

22 In Sympathy

Class News

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 1

from the president

Change–Driven by Mission

There Is a I confess—I was an English major in college, and I am a counseling psychologist by disci-
Solitude of Space pline—so when I am searching for personal or institutional understanding, I often turn to
poetry—like this verse from Emily Dickinson on solitude. After months of “polar privacy,”
There is a solitude of space we are all a bit self-reflective and “soul” weary.
A solitude of sea
This magazine carries that tone, in part. Our discernment has been deep in preparation
A solitude of death, but these for the reopening of campus this fall. The process caused us to double down on mission, to
Society shall be ensure that all students have the support and resources they need to continue their studies.
Mission also challenges us to pursue more rigorously our commitment to racial healing and
Compared with that profounder site transformation. Sadly, COVID-19 and a violent summer laid bare the many injustices in
That polar privacy our communities, but we can use the moment to drive change—as modeled by the equity-
minded faculty and alums featured in this magazine.
A soul admitted to itself—
Finite infinity. Of course, Dominican is not new to challenge or change—quite the contrary. Our
history is punctuated by bold decisions and a willingness to lean into new opportunities.
E M I LY D I C K I N S O N (1855) One dramatic example is the decision to admit men in 1970. As we recognize this 50th
anniversary, we also document other significant decisions that have shaped the scope and
character of Dominican today. This romp through Dominican history is aptly titled
“Forward Fearlessly.”

Dickinson is writing of an equally fearless, but totally different romp, of course, when
she refers to “profounder site.” That capacity to discern is the enduring gift of a liberal arts
education—interior heft, so to speak. Dominican faculty members seek to inspire this
self-reflection in their students, through experiences like the new freshman Critical Reading,
Writing, and Speaking seminars, also highlighted in this magazine. I associate Dickinson’s
description of “a soul admitted to itself ” with our Dominican search for truth, which is the
foundation of all that we teach.

As I write this letter, early in the fall semester, the truth is that I am not exactly sure
what the future will bring. We are prepared to pivot more significantly online, if health or
circumstance require it; but we hope that good strategy and vigilant oversight allow us to
continue to provide students with a modified campus experience. No matter, our posture is
fearlessly forward—anchored by mission, guided by our still new strategic plan, and reach-
ing toward the centennial of our River Forest campus in 2022-2023.

Is it a coincidence that Emily Dickinson was writing her always-stirring poetry at
about the same time that Emily Power, OP, was putting in place the intellectual footings
that eventually supported Rosary College? We stand on the shoulders of pioneering women
educators.

Stay healthy. Enjoy.

Sincerely,

Donna M. Carroll, President

2 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

#10DOMINICAN RANKED IN THE MIDWEST

#1

“TOP PERFORMER IN SOCIAL MOBILITY”

#1

“BEST VALUE SCHOOL”
IN THE CHICAGO AREA

#11

“BEST UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING-MIDWEST”
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

#3

MASTER’S LEVEL UNIVERSITIES IN ILLINOIS
WASHINGTON MONTHLY

T H I S I S A B A N N E R Y E A R for students who receive federal Pell Grants com- changer, academically. To rank as a top
Dominican! For the first time in its histo- pared to the graduation rate of students who do performer on social mobility is a tribute to
ry, the university is ranked in the top 10 not receive Pell grants. Dominican prioritizes our core social justice mission and commit-
of Midwest regional universities by the closing the equity gap in its student body. ment to inclusive excellence,” said President
prestigious 2021 U.S. News & World Report Donna Carroll.
college survey. The university was named as Dominican is one of only two universities
the #1 “Top Performer in Social Mobility” in in the country ranked in the top 10 in their In addition to its recognition by U.S.
Illinois, as well as the #1 “Best Value School” respective regions that also is ranked in the News & World Report, Dominican is ranked
in the Chicago area. Dominican also ranked top 10 for social mobility. U.S. News & World as #3 among Illinois master’s level universi-
#11 in the Midwest in the “Best Undergrad- Report divides more than 600 universities into ties by Washington Monthly, as well as #20
uate Teaching” category. four geographic regions. of 372 total schools in the magazine’s “Best
Bang for the Buck: Midwest” category. Do-
The “Top Performers on Social Mobility” “This is a stunning moment of recogni- minican also is included in Princeton Review’s
category measures how well schools graduate tion for Dominican University. To be ranked 2021 Best Colleges: Midwest, and Money
among the top 10 in the Midwest is a game Magazine’s Best Colleges.

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 3

Short takes on a season at Dominican

Campus Ministry Caritas Veritas Stars athletic
lauded in new national Symposium celebrates program pivots due
book 10th anniversary— to COVID-19
virtually
PAGE 6 PAGE 11
PAGE 8

Dominican Caritas in Action Karen and Peter Morava, co-owners

In mid-March, as the COVID-19 pandemic was impacting our surrounding communi- of Careful Peach in Oak Park.
ties, Dominican put out a call to several campus departments in an attempt to gather
personal protective equipment (PPE) for local medical facilities. In a matter of days, DIVERSITY LEADER
the university collected more than 50,000 gloves and 3,000 masks from programs in BYRDSONG-WRIGHT
the Borra College of Health Sciences and the chemistry, biology, art and theater de- RETIRES AFTER
partments and donated them to Mount Sinai Hospital, Alivio Medical Center, Loyola 30 YEARS
University Medical Center and the River Forest Police Department.
Robbi Byrdsong-Wright retired this
In addition, several faculty and alumni rallied to help those working on the front- summer after 30 years leading and
lines of the pandemic. Don Hamerly, associate professor, School of Information promoting the university’s diversity
Studies, joined a network of local residents, tagged the “Noble Army,” using 3-D initiatives. As director of multicultural
printers to create thousands of face shields for medical workers, first responders, affairs, she designed the Transitions
police and fire departments, and nursing homes. program and laid the foundation for
the annual Sister Mary Clemente
Don Hamerly Davlin Diversity Award. She also
served as assistant dean for academic
Derrick Hilton, lecturer in biological sciences, donated produce from the univer- success services, where she designed
sity’s greenhouse to a food distribution center at a northwest suburban school. a template to address academic alerts.
Byrdsong-Wright mentored organi-
Through a contact in Singapore, Yiping Chen MBA ’08, arranged to have 1,000 zations for Latin American and Saudi
surgical masks delivered to his alma mater Dominican. Kalid Loul MBA ’15, dis- students and organized the Hispanic
tributed more than 275,000 masks to essential workers on the East Coast through and African American heritage recep-
GlobalGeek, the company he founded, and donated 2,000 masks to Dominican. tions. She also launched “The illage,”
Loul credited Elizabeth Collier, professor of ethics, Brennan School of Business, a program offering students a broad
and her corporate responsibility class, as an inspiration for his generosity. range of assistance
aimed at helping
Other alumnae/i also helped residents in their own communities. Ahriel them persist and
La’Shawn Fuller ’17 organized a pop-up resource pantry on Chicago’s far south graduate on
side and Berto Aguayo ’16, founder of the Increase the Peace organization, coordi- time. She leaves
nated a free food pantry in his Back of the Yards neighborhood. an indelible
legacy at Domin-
4 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 ican and we wish
her well in her next
chapter.

2020 DOROTHY REINER MULROY AWARD WINNER

DU STAR FOCUSES ON SERVING she says. Her plan is to create an online
A GREATER PURPOSE resource to promote healing and justice for
survivors, and to advocate, educate and pro-
Though Timiya Ray’s o cial Commencement address to classmates, families and mote justice system reform related to sexual
friends was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Dorothy Reiner assault prosecution.
Mulroy ward winner has an important message to share with the Dominican
community and beyond. “I want to share with everyone to find your purpose in life.’ Fulfilling her desire to “live in the present,”
Ray just launched her first music EP entitled
I knew as an adolescent that I had a purpose These accomplishments and her cumula- “Eventually” featuring her own original songs. It
beyond myself, and these past four years at tive . GP solidified her selection as the is the culmination of a project she started last
Dominican, I have found that my purpose is to recipient of the Mulroy ward, the university’s year when she received a Dominican Excel-
help others.” she says. highest student honor. lence in Experiential Learning ExcEL Scholar

Recruited to play for the women’s basket- et, it was amidst the awards, accolades ward. Plus, the newly minted graduate is
ball team, the Hammond, Indiana, star chose and accomplishments that Ray’s passion for continuing her athletic training with the hope
Dominican because it was where she felt most activism and her purpose of helping others of playing basketball internationally when the
welcomed and comfortable. s a student-ath- was ignited. s a project for a video pro- pandemic subsides. In addition, she is putting
lete, Ray excelled on the court throughout duction course, and with the support and her degree in graphic design to work on a
her career, earning recognition as the 2020 guidance of Chief Diversity cer Sheila range of creative projects for a number of
Northern thletics Collegiate Conference Radford-Hill, Ray produced a documentary clients.
entitled “I m Survivor” addressing the ex-
oman of the ear, and named team captain periences, challenges and lingering e ects of Though her student days are just barely
and three-time team M P. the court, she is sexual assault and molestation. Compelled by behind her, Ray treasures the many relation-
celebrated campuswide for her engagement experiences in her own family and from many ships with sta , faculty, and friends she built at
and leadership activities. Ray was a resident brave students who came forward to share Dominican. “I am so grateful for Paul Simpson
assistant for two years, served on the uni- their stories, she embarked on what she now director of civic learning , Sara Furlette- oski
versity’s Diversity Council and lack Student sees as a lifelong commitment. athletic trainer and my coaches who saw me
as an individual and were mentors to me. These
nion, was a mentor coach for “The illage,” “I was a witness to horrible experiences relationships are so important and meaningful.”
Dominican’s leadership development program and I decided this is how I can make a di er-
and active in planning mental health wellness ence and propel action in a new directions,”
events with the campus ellness Center.

“...THESE PAST FOUR
YEARS AT DOMINICAN,
I HAVE FOUND THAT
MY PURPOSE IS TO
HELP OTHERS.”

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 5

Stars Connect Grant Addresses Social Inequities
Unifies Key
Student Services The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated systemic inequities in society that
have disproportionately impacted economically vulnerable individuals and
Dominican students now have a one-stop shop communities of color. Through a significant grant from the Health Resources and
for all of their front-line business services, due to a Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health
new initiative from the university. and Human Services, Dominican is making an effort to target inequities in mental
healthcare in Illinois. The $649,990 Horizons Project grant will enhance the School
Stars Connect, a new student enrollment of Social Work’s efforts to recruit, retain and train MSW students interested in
services structure, centralizes and consolidates working with medically underserved communities in Chicago’s west side as well
essential functions for financial aid, students ac- as in Lake, Will and McHenry counties. Scholarships up to $40,000 per academic
counts and registration and records. The holistic year will be provided to 25 economically disadvantaged and underrepresented
initiative simplifies and streamlines the experience MSW students committed to working for a minimum of two years in primary care
of addressing needs for students, families and settings in these communities.
sta .
The grant can be renewed for up to five years, representing a total of almost
ictoria Spivak, assistant vice president for $3,250,000 in funding for MSW students. This is the School of Social Work’s
student enrollment services, said that centralizing second HRSA grant. The school also received a four-year grant in 2016, which
these services removes barriers students and provided a total of $2.7 million in scholarship funds for MSW students.
families may have previously faced, while simulta-
neously providing a more seamless experience for “The Horizon grant offers our students an excellent opportunity to invest in
all involved. their future as social workers in marginalized communities and contributes to
the overall representation of culturally sensitive professionals of color in primary
“Students only have to know one place to go care settings,” said Suhad Tabahi, project manager and assistant professor in the
now,” Spivak said. “They can bring their uestions School of Social Work.
here, get them resolved and move on with their
day and focus on their classes. That’s the logic Campus Ministry Serves as Role Model
behind Stars Connect.”
Dominican University is featured as one of several exemplary collegiate and university
Students can visit the Stars Connect o ce ministries in a new book, “Catholic Campus Ministry Fifteen Profiles in chievement.”
in Lewis 115 or address their needs remotely via The book celebrates the success of programs at universities including Johns Hopkins
email, phone or a live-chat function
available at dom.edu stars-connect. niversity, avier niversity of Loyola and oston College, as well as Dominican.
s a Hispanic-Serving Institution HSI , Dominican has developed a national repu-
ith an increased focus on health and
safety during the C ID- 9 pandemic, tation for fostering the spiritual growth and leadership formation of Latinx students in
the Stars Connect team is also work- culturally responsive ways. The book highlights Dominican’s Ministry en lo Cotidiano
ing to phase out paper processes that ministry in the everyday , a program that combines theological re ection and paid
previously re uired in-person o ce service opportunities with immigration support services, labor-organizing nonprofits,
visits. legal aid groups, and youth ministries. Similarly, the eloved Community program o ers

dditional information about immersive service opportunities for students in frican merican
Stars Connect, and the services it communities.
provides, can be found at dom.edu/
stars-connect/services. lso highlighted is ocation cross the cademy, a program which
embeds university ministers in liberal arts seminars where they work
with faculty to incorporate restorative justice circles into students’
learning experiences.

“ ll of these practices point to the reality that Church is not con-
fined to a building, but is everywhere, which is why partnerships are
such an integral part of our ministry. e are grateful that the Catholic
Campus Ministry ssociation and .S. Conference of Catholic ish-
ops recognized Dominican for building momentum, engagement and
enthusiasm for faith and justice in the lives of our students,” said ohn
DeCostanza, director of niversity Ministry.

6 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

School of Education practice at area elementary schools, where
Celebrates 35th they have the opportunity to interact with and
Anniversary observe students and teachers.

Critical Reading, “When principals throughout the Chicago area An undergraduate special education major
Writing and Speaking meet one of our School of Education graduates, was added in 2017. The program honors the
Course Sequence they recognize that this is a really well-prepared late Therese Hogan, director of the long-stand-
teacher,” said Ben Freville, associate dean of the ing special education program for graduate
After extensive research, Dominican College of Applied Social Sciences. “They have students.
launched this fall a new, two-semester Crit- been prepared to develop and implement critical
ical Reading, Writing and Speaking (CRWS) assessments, plan stimulating lessons, and use The school has added a Learning Behavior
course se uence or first- ear students, re- data to inform their instruction.” Specialist endorsement for educators who want
placing the former English 100, English 101 to teach special education students within their
and 102 sequence. The CRWS concept is This year marks the School of Education’s inclusive classrooms, as well as a Technology
based on national research indicating that 35th anniversary. Much of its early success can Specialist endorsement. The master of arts in
theme- ased, multi disciplinar courses be attributed to the work of former dean Sr. education program has been reworked and
serve as a better foundation for students’ Colleen McNicholas, OP, who passed away this now o ers four specialized degrees focusing on
grasp o the s ills the need to succeed as August. Between 1989 and 2012, McNicholas diverse learners, inclusive learning, integrated
critical thin ers in their ma ors and fields served the school in a number of capacities and instruction, and instructional technology.
o e pertise. hile new, the courses reflect guided it toward national accreditation.
the universit s traditional emphasis on the A two-year alternative licensure program
importance of the liberal arts in shaping “As was true of all the Dominican sisters at introduces graduate students immediately into
well-rounded graduates, regardless of their the university, she worked relentlessly to make area classrooms after an intensive summer
chosen major. sure that things of high quality were happening program on campus. The teacher candidates
in our programs,” said Colleen Reardon, former are coached and mentored throughout their
CRWS 101 and CRWS 102 merge the dean of the school. experience, while completing coursework at
development of students’ skills around Dominican.
a theme chosen instructors across The school consistently evaluates its pro-
diverse academic fields and colleges, while grams and develops innovative ways to prepare “The School of Education will continue to
introducing and advancing undergraduate educators. Recently, the elementary education adapt to changes in society by introducing
learning goals and outcomes for reading, program was redesigned to o er a model of programs that prepare our graduates to be cul-
written and oral communication, critical training teachers that combines theory and turally responsive educators who empower their
thin ing, colla oration, in ormation literac students to be change agents in their communi-
and intercultural competence. Students are ties,” Freville said.
encouraged to sta with the same cohort
from the fall to the spring semester.

Each section of CRWS has two, embed-
ded writing fellows assigned to support
students through in-class activities and
one-on-one tutoring, if needed.

or ing colla orativel with colleagues
across di erent fields to innovate, while
maintaining Dominican’s mission to serve
our students, is at the core of the CRWS
program. Our path to a transformative ped-
agog values the gi ts we have, to ecome
better educators and members of an inter-
connected communit , said Gema rtega,
director of the CRWS program.

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 7

Presenters of a session Featured Speakers
titled “Travel with Purpose”
discussed and shared
photos of their trip to Nepal.

JOSHUA HALE
President and CEO, Big Shoulders Fund

Virtual The 10th anniversary of this distinctly Dominican event was SHEILA RADFORD-HILL
CaritasVeritas held on September 22, with more than two dozen programs Chief Diversity Officer,
Symposium featuring presenters reflecting on how they get at truth and how Dominican University
Wrap-Up they affect change.
SHAINA WARFIELD ’20
Like most large gatherings Before the presentations, Sheila Radford-Hill, Dominican’s Read an original poem during
in the era of COVID-19, chief diversity officer, was presented with the Sister Mary Cle-
Dominican hosted the mente Davlin Diversity Leadership Award. Since Radford-Hill’s the plenary session.
annual Caritas Veritas appointment in 2015, Dominican has reached a new level of
Symposium in a virtual critical consciousness about race and equity and has imple-
format—but that didn’t mented numerous programs supporting inclusive excellence.
stop hundreds of faculty,
sta , students, alumnae i, The Big Shoulders Fund was presented with the Brad-
and board members from ford-O’Neill Medallion for Social Justice. The largest privately
participating via Zoom. funded K-12 scholarship program in Illinois, the Big Shoulders
Fund provides support to 75 inner-city Catholic schools edu-
cating almost 20,000 students, 80 percent of whom represent
minorities and 66 percent of whom live in low-income neigh-
borhoods.

In the midst of a global pandemic, a nationwide reckoning
for racial justice, and a controversial presidential election, the
symposium provided an opportunity for Dominican to come
together to celebrate the enduring strength of its mission and
purpose.

8 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

Kathryn Brien ’20 presented a session on
improving mental health for students.

Highlights from the
2020 Caritas Veritas
Symposium

Steven Plane gave a So We Cannot Sit
presentation on Fandom Side by Side
as Creative Community.
Are we not stars,
For whom space is an assignment?

Space as group project?
A wide and deep
We draw close

And into open potentials?
All manner of matter,
Fixed transfigurine,
Held and holding,
A hoard of fire bearing
Giants?
Myth-making.
Map-mending.
Faith-faring.
Life-giving.
Every one a sanctuary.

Shaina Warfield ’20

Carlos Benitez, Class of 2021, introduced Sheila Lizbeth Leon, Class of 2023, presented in
Radford-Hill, recipient of the Davlin Diversity Award a session about Peer Led Team Learning
Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 9

Lucas Eggers finds purpose in helping
others—on and o the court

Men’s volleyball player is a model Division III student-athlete

Lucas Eggers has always loved the game of he learned wilderness medicine and received “That was a really insightful experience,”
volleyball. But during his junior year of high
school, he experienced something that merged certifications in global health medicine and Eggers said. “I have done shadowing in the
his love for the sport with his altruistic passion.
wilderness first-response. nfortunately, the club past, scrubbing in on surgeries, walking around
Eggers, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin,
resuscitated one of his teammates during was unable to travel to Ecuador this year due to hospitals, etc. — but this was my first hands-on
volleyball practice. It was the first of several
times he has served as a first responder, and it the C ID- 9 pandemic. Locally, the club holds patient care. It really taught me a lot about what
was an experience that solidified his desire to
pursue a career in emergency medicine. donation drives, runs Dominican’s blood drive it means to be a caregiver and the focus on the

Now a junior majoring in biology-chemis- and volunteers at Feed My Starving Children. individual patient that comes with it.”
try with minors in mathematics and theology,
Eggers exemplifies what it means to be a Divi- With some of his summer plans canceled Earlier in 20 9, Eggers joined the university’s
sion III athlete by balancing excellence in both
academics and athletics. due to the pandemic, -day study abroad trip in Rome. He described

“I can’t speak highly enough about Lucas,” Eggers spent the past the trip as an “unbelievable experience,”
said Cameron ndrew, Dominican’s head
volleyball coach. “Time after time, I am blown few months work- adding that he hopes to focus part of
away with Lucas’ dedication to academics,
volleyball, and teammates. ing in a nursing his career on international medicine.

“He is always one to help his fellow class- home in Keno- n active member of Domini-
mates as a tutor or by taking underclassmen
under his wing and showing them the ropes sha as part can’s campus community, Eggers
in the fitness center. Lucas has such a positive
impact on those around him and I feel lucky to of a certified worked at the Student Involvement
have the opportunity to coach him.”
nursing assistant Resource Center his freshman year and
“Since high school, I’ve known that medical
school is the route that I want to pursue and course. serves as a peer leader in the Student Success
since coming to Dominican, I’ve started taking
some of the classes that will help me get and Engagement o ce.
there,” Eggers said.
“It’s a really neat job, as it kind of
He is involved in the university’s chapter of
MEDLIFE, a global nonprofit organization that touches on all aspects of campus,” Eggers
delivers medical, educational and develop-
mental aid to low-income families. The club said. “I really like the interpersonal work that is
organizes annual international service trips to
set up mobile clinics in rural areas. involved and working with students one-on-one

Last year, Eggers went to help them get to where they want
on the club’s service
trip to Peru. He also Eggers to go.”
gained valuable clinical resuscitated one A member of the university’s honors
experience last December of his teammates
during a service trip during practice, program with an impressive cumulative
to Costa Rica, where an experience 4.0 GPA, Eggers dedicates time to
that solidified his tutoring other students. After classes
desire to pursue moved online last semester, he o ered
medicine. virtual STEM tutoring and, this year, he
is helping freshmen better understand
their introductory science courses by

leading virtual tutoring groups that re-

view class sessions and run chemistry activities.

He also supports his teammates by regularly

o ering late-night tutoring and advising hours.

“He’s an unbelievable support to his team-

mates in the classroom,” Andrew said, adding

Eggers’ investment in his teammates’ success

on and o the court is admirable.

Eggers said he plans to take the MCAT

later this year and then evaluate his options for

medical school.

10 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

DU ATHLETES EARN Stars Athletes, Coaches Adjust to New Normal
MAN AND WOMAN OF
THE YEAR AWARDS NACC shifts fall sports to spring semester in response to pandemic

Two of the most accomplished Dominican University coaches and student-ath- Baumann said. The practice schedules are intend-
athletes in Dominican history
ended their collegiate careers in letes are thrilled to simply have a chance. ed to align with the university’s plan to move to
award-winning fashion. Men’s
volleyball player, Ethan Klosak, After the Northern Athletics Collegiate Confer- online learning after Thanksgiving break. Athletic
and women’s basketball player,
Timiya Ray, earned Northern ence (NACC) announced in late July that it was teams will then restart their practice schedules

Athletics Collegiate suspending fall semester conference competi- and prepare for competition in early 2021, when
Conference (NACC)
Man and Woman of tions and championship events until at least the students are slated to return to campus.
the Year awards,
marking the first time start of 2021, several Dominican teams feared Now in the midst of their current practice
in Dominican’s history
that both a men’s and their seasons would fall by the wayside. schedules, Dominican athletes and sta are
women’s athlete were
The NACC did reinstate hope in athletes and adhering to thorough safety plans and procedures
selected for the award.
Klosak, a four-year starter, coaches alike, however, when designed to mitigate risk.
finished his Stars career with a
resume full of accolades. The it released updated competition Cameron Andrew, head coach
outside hitter earned three, first-
plans that adjusted scheduling of both the men’s and women’s
team, All-NACC selections,
and was a two-time and tournament formats by “IT’S NOT AN EASY volleyball teams, said he and his
American Volleyball shifting competitions for more DECISION TO coaching sta are devoting extra
Coaches Association than a dozen sports to the spring time to practice preparation to
NCAA Division III 2021 semester. This impacts all MAKE, TO MOVE make sure everything is as safe as
All-American. His 84 14 sports at Dominican. EVERYTHING possible. He also believes com-
career service aces
are the most in program “It’s going to be a lot,” said FROM THE FALL munication is of extra importance.

history, while his 849 career Erick Baumann, Dominican’s INTO THE SPRING, “An important component of
kills rank second.
director of athletics and head BUT IT WAS THE our coaching is demonstrating
“Ethan was really one of the men’s soccer coach. “Obviously RIGHT DECISION.” openness and honesty, so when
focal points of our team,” said our resources will be extremely our players have questions, we
Cameron Andrew, head volleyball
coach. “He was one of our most stretched but we’re going to do answer them honestly.” he said.
consistent passers, so he helped
hold down our defense and we whatever we have to do in order “And when they have concerns or
always knew we could rely on
him o ensively. He was truly a to give our student-athletes the fears or anxiety about any of it, we
complete player all around.”
best experience we can, and that is really what have conversations about it.
Ray’s stellar play and strong
leadership helped lead the my focus is on.” “I think creating those spaces to communi-
program to its best season in
recent history. The three-tiime, All- Despite the challenging circumstances, cate with one another openly and honestly to
NACC selection finished her Stars
career as the program’s all-time aumann is proud of the conference’s e orts express our frustrations and concerns helps our
leading scorer, rebounder, and
shot-blocker. to deliver an opportunity for student-athletes to team unity.”

“On the court, she was a heck have some semblance of a season. aumann said students and sta are “doing
of a player to watch,” said Antonio
Rivas, head women’s basketball “The conference leadership has done a fan- a fantastic job” of adjusting. He believes players
coach. “I always joked with her that
I never coached her, I watched her.” tastic job throughout all of this,” Baumann said. and coaches feel fortunate to be participating in

“It’s never an easy decision to make, to move the sports they love during these unprecedented

everything from the fall into the spring, but it was times.

the right decision. I’ve been very pleased and “I think everybody is extremely happy with the

very proud of what the conference has done.” fact that we’re together, we’re practicing, and

In late August, all of the university’s teams we’re doing it responsibly. We are very fortunate

started a four-to-eight week practice schedule, that we are able to do what we are doing.”

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 11

LEVELWORKING TO “RACE IS NOT THE
DETERMINANT OF HEALTHCARE
THE
PLAYING INEQUALITIES—
FIELD RACISM IS THE CAUSE.”

Faculty and alumni are addressing TAMARA BLAND
social inequities in a time of crisis
“IT WAS ABOUT AS BAD AS
Dominican University is one of only 26 higher YOU THINK IT IS.
education institutions across the country
to be selected by the Association of American IT WENT FROM ZERO TO 100
Colleges and Universities to participate in the IN A VERY SHORT AMOUNT
Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT)
project, a comprehensive, community-based OF TIME.”
process committed to addressing historic and
contemporary e ects of systemic racism, and NEIL EHMIG
to advancing transformational and sustainable
change. “A HUGE PART OF HELPING
THE COMMUNITY HEAL
12 Dominican Magazin FALL 2020
IS LETTING PEOPLE KNOW
THAT YOU’RE LISTENING

TO THEM.”

NANCY RIVERA

Led by Sheila Radford-Hill, chief diversity o cer, “THE COMMUNITY ARE THE Rivera noted that the south Chicago area where
Dominican’s TRHT Campus Center serves as a hub POLICE AND THE POLICE she works is considered a food desert and residents
for programs and initiatives promoting racial justice ARE THE COMMUNITY. don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. She
on campus and in our surrounding communities. The HOPEFULLY, WE CAN FIND works with a high-risk population already and this
TRHT team is hosting programs focused on breaking A WAY TO BRING THAT summer’s looting left people with even fewer resourc-
down racial hierarchies and erasing structural barri- es. “I had moms who were devastated and couldn’t
ers to equality and opportunity on campus. Recently, SPIRIT BACK.” make it on regular distribution dates.” The WIC pro-
Radford-Hill, using the TRHT framework, moderated gram responded by providing extra resources, includ-
a series of conversations with several faculty and CLINTON NICHOLS ing back-to-school materials. “A huge part of helping
alumni, inviting them to share their experiences with, the community heal is letting people know that you’re
and perspectives on, social inequities made more listening to them.”
transparent this spring and summer by the current
global pandemic, economic recession, and racial Ehmig discussed his experiences on the frontlines
unrest. of the pandemic. “Moving into April, we didn’t really
know what we were getting into.” Recounting how the
COVID-19 and hospital rapidly progressed from asking a few nurses
Health Care Inequities to volunteer with COVID cases, to converting his en-
tire department to a COVID unit, he said, “It was about
Tamara Bland, acting executive director of the as bad as you think it is. It went from zero to 100 in a
MacNeil School of Nursing and a Faculty Fellow in very short amount of time.” Ehmig credits Dominican
the ENACT (Education Network for Active Civic for instilling in him the mission of giving compassion-
Transformation) program, was joined by Neil Ehmig ate service. “I went into nursing because I wanted to
’16, BSN, a trauma nurse at Advocate Christ Medical help people get better. That’s what helps me head into
Center in Oak Lawn, and Nancy Rivera ’13, who work every day.”
earned her degree in nutrition and dietetics and is
program manager of WIC’s (Women, Infants and “IT’S BEEN DIFFICULT TO DEAL
Children) supplemental food program on Chicago’s
south side. WITH THE PURE ANGER Creating Peace in
AGAINST THE FEW WHO HAVE Chicago’s Neighborhoods
Bland, a former home health care nurse on Chica-
go’s west side who has done extensive research on DONE SOMETHING NOT Clinton Nichols, assistant professor of criminology,
health care disparities, provided some insight as to has done research on racially biased policing and is
why communities of color are disproportionately MORALLY OR LEGALLY RIGHT.” a volunteer instructor for the Prison and Neighbor-
impacted by COVID-19, explaining that “race is not hood Arts Project at Stateville Correctional Center.
the determinant of health care inequities—racism is BINYAMIN JONES He was joined by Binyamin Jones ’07, a field training
the cause.” Adding COVID-19 to Black and Brown o cer with the Chicago Police Department who has
communities, already vulnerable due to high rates “DOMINICAN TAUGHT ME TO been involved in the Becoming a Man program, which
of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well as the LOOK AT THINGS HOLISTICALLY. brings together at-risk youth and police for basketball
negative e ects of gun violence and police brutality, games and roundtable discussions. Berto Aguayo ‘16
has caused mortality rates to skyrocket. “We have to IT’S NOT THAT I DON’T LIKE is the founder of Increase the Peace and a community
get to the root of racism in order to have a positive POLICE OFFICERS, I HATE THE organizer who has been recognized by the Obama
e ect in our Black and Brown communities. We have Foundation. This summer, he was involved in voter
to improve the health of the community itself. When registration and e orts to build solidarity between
you look at zip codes from downtown to the west Chicago’s Black and Brown communities.
side, it shaves 10 to 15 years o a person’s life. That is
heartbreaking. Now is the time to work harder to level SYSTEM THAT CREATES TENSION Jones spoke about the very di cult work of policing
the playing field.” BETWEEN COMMUNITIES OF in 2020. “It’s been di cult to deal with the pure anger
against the few who have done something not morally
COLOR AND POLICE OFFICERS.” or legally right,” he said. “The initial protests in July
went somewhat as expected, but the mass looting in
BERTO AGUAYO

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 13

all areas was not anticipated. The looting and destruc- “... [IMMIGRANTS] HAVE AN support for the Dream Act during her undergraduate
tion of property was largely opportunistic, done by ADDED BURDEN TO PROVE years at Dominican.
those seeking to get away with crimes. My weekends THEIR WORTH. WE NEGLECT
o were canceled for several weeks in a row.” TO ADDRESS THEM BASED Sepulveda reflected on how the pandemic’s enforced
ON THE ASSETS THAT THEY shutdown has impacted immigrants’ struggles.
Aguayo reflected on the work of the community BRING AND THE RESILIENCE “This time for reflection has allowed individuals to
organization he founded in 2016. “Our main mission start mobilizing. The immigration system has been
at Increase the Peace is to prevent violence. Since THAT THEY HAVE.” revealed to benefit certain people and groups, while
March, we’ve had to pivot to meet the community leaving others out. It’s brought together people and
where it’s at: o ering a food pantry, a street vendor SUHAD TABAHI groups from di erent generations—unity in the
relief program, and protecting small businesses in community. There’s a real opportunity to dismantle
our community to prevent them from being looted,” he “THERE’S A REAL institutions that have not favored people who look
said. Aguayo added that Dominican prepared him to be OPPORTUNITY TO like me,” he said.
receptive to using non-violence. “Non-violence is cou- DISMANTLE INSTITUTIONS
rageous, not passive. During one downtown protest, THAT HAVE NOT FAVORED Salgado brings legislative history to her analysis
I was beat up with batons and pepper sprayed by the of current U.S. policy. “The notion that all immigrants
police and it was really hard not to react to violence PEOPLE WHO are welcome to start anew and have a prosperous life
with violence. We’re fighting injustice, not those who LOOK LIKE ME.” gets complicated once you look very deeply into the
are committing injustice. Dominican taught me to history of citizenship laws. You start to realize that the
look at things holistically. It’s not that I don’t like ROBERTO SEPULVEDA United States has always had an idea of what a ‘good
police o cers, I hate the system that creates tension immigrant’ should be and that it has never been any-
between communities of color and police o cers.” one who’s Black, Brown or any minority.” She added,
“The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Re-
Nichols o ered insight on the current nature of sponsibility Act of 1996, passed under President Clin-
policing. “Police departments are bureaucracies. We ton, marries the criminal system and the immigration
can see that a bureaucracy allows police to engage in system. We can see who is hyper-policed and who is
bad behavior. Do we see ‘bad apples,’ or are aspects not. Black immigrants are stuck longer in detention
of the entire structure problematic? High levels of centers and disproportionately deported.”
gun violence and opioid deaths speak to an issue of
su ering that we are not willing to acknowledge in In response to Radford-Hill’s query on how best to
this country. How are we allocating resources? How support immigrants on a path to citizenship, Tabahi
can we reimagine policing? The community are the said it begins by educating ourselves. “Many immi-
police and the police are the community. Hopefully grants have already been here for 20 to 30 years.
we can find a way to bring that spirit back,” he said. Oftentimes, as are many people of color, they have
an added burden to prove their worth. We neglect to
Standing Against “YOU START TO REALIZE address them based on the assets that they bring and
Immigration Discrimination THAT THE UNITED STATES the resilience that they have.”
HAS ALWAYS HAD AN IDEA
Suhad Tabahi is an assistant professor in the School OF WHAT A ‘GOOD IMMI- Sepulveda closed the conversation with a pas-
of Social Work. A Palestinian American Muslim, she GRANT’ SHOULD BE AND sionate statement about recognizing the role of the
has conducted significant research on migration THAT IT HAS NEVER BEEN immigrants in times of national struggle. “We should
issues. She was joined by Roberto Sepulveda MBA ANYONE WHO’S BLACK, also remember the immigrant community who
‘10, and Arianna Salgado ’15. Sepulveda has led BROWN OR ANY MINORITY.” cleaned up after the destruction of 9/11 and those
diversity and inclusion initiatives at a number of who worked in the Twin Towers. They have been
corporations including United Stationers and Sara ARIANNA SALGADO erased from the narrative. We need to remember that
Lee and is now involved in local politics. Salgado during this pandemic the many essential workers
is a social justice activist who garnered legislative who kept our families safe and fed and made sure the
economy did not completely collapse are immigrants.
I want to make sure that when we look back at 2020,
we remember our community and the role we played.”

14 Dominican Magazin FALL 2020

Anticipating
and embracing
change through

Forwardthedecades Fearlessly

Anticipating and adapting IN MARCH, the response to Working with the administration through-
to change have been the out the summer, an academic task force
essence of Dominican COVID-19 propelled Dominican forward focused on accelerating Dominican’s online
University since its founding five years in a manner of weeks, shifting teaching capacity with new “best practices.”
as St. Clara’s Academy, the delivery of a quality education to a new This preparation will meet demand for more
a girls’ college teaching normal. Thanks to a forward-thinking IT hybrid and fully online teaching — especially
science to young women department, technology was in place and in the event that a viral spike triggers another
before it was considered already tested: infrastructure was sound and state stay-at-home order.
“acceptable.” When the ready as hundreds of classes quickly moved to
school moved to River an online format. Rising to new challenges is a Dominican
Forest in 1922, Rosary tradition, and has always occurred in an
College’s inaugural classes The Fall 2020 semester opened with intentional way, with significant planning and
were held in a not-quite- impressive enrollments, historically high in conversation with university constituents
completed Power Hall, with retention rates and a combination of face-to- as well as its surrounding community. What
some sisters tenaciously face, hybrid and online classes. Our relatively follows are some highlights of major moments
teaching in classrooms small class sizes were an advantage as they of transition in Dominican’s history.
still open to the sky. This were more easily adapted for hybrid teaching
agility is part of Dominican's and learning. Campus spaces were prioritized Expanding minds in the
DNA. The university has for classrooms and nearly all faculty and staff depths of a depression
faced, undaunted, some meetings were shifted online.
of the greatest challenges In response to a devastating, seismic eco-
of successive decades, To encourage physical distancing, all resi- nomic shock—the Great Depression—the
including the crisis of the dent students now are living in single rooms, Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters understood
Great Depression, the with several rooms reserved at the Priory just how deep the privations were. Their
tumult of the 1960s and the campus for quarantining. Physical distancing response to a community in need involved
transition to a co-ed campus metrics also changed the use and configura- creating a free-of-charge early adult
50 years ago. The current tion of dining and communal spaces, as well education program—a forerunner of
pandemic is proving only the as the library, the tech center and the fitness graduate education. “Education for Leisure”
latest catalyst for change— center. Plexiglass barriers were installed in key was launched in 1934, with a number of
and it found Dominican well- service areas, temperature scanners are located stimulating lectures taught by sisters who
prepared for the challenge. at main entrances, and signage reminds every- donated their time and expertise.
one to wear masks and wash hands often.

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 15

“We will come out of the current COVID-19 crisis
well positioned for our next chapter.”
—Donna Carroll

Open to In many respects, recruiting men was injured after being thrown through a plate
residents of River a capstone to years of profound change glass window in the heat of demonstrations
Forest, Oak Park provoked by social and campus unrest in downtown Chicago.
and neighboring as well as the reforms of Vatican II. In
towns, the first 1966, Rosary was overwhelmingly female, There were stirrings on campus as well.
year of non-credit drawing from Catholic high schools around “Time Out” marked the moment when
evening lectures drew a the Chicago area, and largely taught by
large, appreciative public, sisters in full habit. While men had been an students respectfully protested, wanting a
with an overwhelming 400 participants. on-campus presence since the late 1940s,
By 1937, Rosary offered multiple, 10-week they were few in number and mostly say in how and what they were learning.
terms, on more than a dozen subjects, Eighty percent of the student body signed
including climatology, sociology, conver- a petition urging faculty to take time out
sational German and French and a timely from classes and meet with students. The
class on the “Economics of the New Deal.” college responded by suspending classes for
The program drew national praise for three days of faculty, administration and
its outreach. “[The plan] is fast growing student dialogue that resulted in the elim-
out of the stage of experimentation into ination of a number of requirements, the
full-fledged, practicable success,” noted establishment of a strong advisory program
Commerce & Industry, a major publication for students, and the creation of the first
of the era. “It has surely started a ball rolling, freshmen seminars.
setting a new standard in college service and
genuine desire to help its fellow citizens.” pursuing graduate studies in the library A college transitions into
school during the evening after traditional a university
Going co-ed after a “Time Out” undergraduate classes had ended.
Preparing for a new century, Rosary College
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Molly Burke, dean emerita of the competed in a crowded educational mar-
board of trustees’ decision to admit males as Brennan School of Business, who began her ketplace by launching A Vision for the New
undergraduate students. In the fall of 1970, career as the director of housing in 1971, Century, a new five-year strategic plan led
the college’s long tradition of women-only recalls that to draw more men, Rosary by Dominican’s first lay president, Donna
Catholic education changed when 22 men established a men’s sports program, with Carroll. The plan provided the founda-
were admitted along with 169 women to basketball as the first men’s varsity sport. “It tion for embracing a new identity as a
the first co-educational freshman class. made campus more like real life,” she said of university.

the transition. Much of the work to transform an
In that tumultuous time, when undergraduate college into a university with
multiple graduate schools occurred during
campuses were demonstrating the 1980s. Rosary had already established
against the Vietnam War and for its first graduate program of library science
civil rights, Rosary actively engaged in the years following World War II. This
in the struggle. Some marched in was followed by a graduate school of educa-
opposition to what happened during tion, focused largely on the need for special
the Chicago Democratic Convention education; then a graduate school of busi-
in 1968; one faculty member was ness. These additions brought significant
growth in the numbers of graduate students
on Dominican’s campus.

Rosary College found its new name in a
familiar place. Endorsed by market studies
and focus groups, the emerging university

16 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

embraced its identity as part of the Do- and serving waves of first-generation-to-col- including more holistic and culturally in-
minican Order. After long discussions and lege students from immigrant families formed advising; the creation of El Centro,
hard work, the board of trustees approved reaches back to its very origins as St. Clara a central resource space for peer advising
the plan of transforming Rosary College Academy in Wisconsin, when it educated the and training, mentorship and leadership
to Dominican University, effective May daughters of Irish lead miners, and continu- activities; and Promising Pathways, a
4, 1997. Looking back, Donna Carroll ing with the move to River Forest, where it freshman seminar component that helps
remembered: “Building relationships and served the daughters of Polish and Italian students envision and develop four-year
instilling a level of trust enables you to push immigrants. plans for graduation.
through the sometimes difficult changes.”
Nationally, the number of Latinx under- AS Dominican approaches the 100th
The strategy underlying the name graduates continues to grow. This fall, just
change was explained in the alumni mag- over 70 percent of Dominican’s incoming anniversary of its relocation to River
azine. “The identity of an institution, like class was Latinx. The university anticipated Forest, we continue to be agile in respond-
the identity of an individual, evolves over this demographic shift and has developed ing to changes and challenges in society. As
time. We must continually make changes a national reputation for serving Latinx Donna Carroll said during a recent Staff
to preserve and enhance our traditions … Assembly, “We will come out of the current
‘University’ is a more accurate, inclusive students in culturally responsive ways. COVID-19 crisis well positioned for our
and credible description of the academic Dominican continues to enhance efforts next chapter.”
programs, particularly in the eyes of gradu-
ate and international students.” to meet the needs of Latinx students. Three Former Dominican President Sr. Candi-
federal Title V grants now fund important da Lund, OP, once commented on Domin-
Marking a new era of first- work to strengthen Dominican’s capacity ican’s transition to co-education, “Neither
generation-to-college students for advising students and developing its trauma nor trumpet marked this change. It
own HSI identity. All support an overall took place, as have always important devel-
The U.S. Department of Education formally objective of increasing Latinx student reten- opments in Rosary’s long history, quietly,
recognized Dominican as a Hispanic-Serving tion, persistence and timely graduation. thoughtfully, steadily, naturally—and with
Institution (HSI) in 2011, after the Latinx appreciable success. It was an idea whose
student population reached more than “Dominican is able to invest in more re- time had come.”
25 percent of overall enrollment. The HSI sources that enable great equity in outcomes—
designation acknowledged Dominican’s for all students,” said Lisa Petrov, Title V Sr. Candida’s perspective is just as rele-
commitment to the changing culture and coordinator and assistant professor of Spanish. vant today as it was 50 years ago. Domini-
demographics of both the United States can continues to strategically adapt—with
and the Catholic Church in America. Of Early results are already outperforming insight and planning, aligned with mission.
course, Dominican’s history of seeking out five-year goals: in only two years, retention
among Hispanic students jumped from 70 to
80 percent, while satisfaction with advising
reached 84 percent. Petrov credits new
Student Success and Engagement programs,

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 17

•

••

HELPING STUDENTS DISCOVER THEIR ACADEMIC SELVES engagement. “It is a center for students to
gather, to support and facilitate learning, and
THE NEW promote help-seeking behavior.”
LEARNING COMMONS
The new student-centered space brings
This fall, Dominican opened its newest, and perhaps most innovative and collaborative space, together departments and resources to enhance
inside an iconic, well-known space. While returning students and visiting alumnae/i will how students learn—socially over coffee or
certainly recognize the familiar 70s-era Indiana limestone and Graylite glass exterior of the lunch in the Cyber Café; in a structured space
Rebecca Crown Library, the interior bears no resemblance to the familiar quiet research and on the first floor with tutors, coaches and
study space of old. The completely reconstructed first and second floors of the library are now librarians; or independent study on the second
home to the Learning Commons, a space for integrative, reflective and collaborative student floor. Offices and services once housed in
support and learning. different buildings around the campus are now
centrally located to better serve students.
The Learning Commons is a true partnership and collaboration between the Rebecca Crown
Library and the division of Student Success and Engagement. Vision and planning for the new “We held numerous meetings and focus
space began in 2019, centered on the concept of “academic self” and helping students understand groups, and conducted substantial research to
and capitalize on their individual learning styles. understand how students learn best, and found
that students want and need a collaborative
“Everyone has their own unique way of engaging in the learning environment, and the services, space that promotes peer-to-peer learning,
resources and support of the Learning Commons will help deepen students’ understanding of their along with active and engaged library support
own approach to learning,” explains Barrington Price, vice president of student success and and instruction,” explains Felice Maciejewski,
university librarian. “It is a seamless space for
students to get the service and support they
need in one location.”

“Our vision is for students to see the library
as a robust, bustling space where peers are
working together, where risk-taking is good,
and seeking help is essential for learning,” says
Jennifer Stockdale, director of the Academic

18 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

4

5

Enrichment Center, now located on the first A Tour of the Dominican has a number of programs
floor. More than 60 tutors and academic Renovated Spaces in place, including an academic alert system
coaches are available to work with students to identify students who could benefit from
in a wide range of areas including writing, 1 The Library Terrace Lounge academic and well-being support services.
math, finance, computer science, accounting, Faculty, academic counselors, advisers, tutors
languages, and STEM. 2 New study rooms and tutoring and coaches work as a sort of “rapid response
space team” to connect students to the services that
Also located in the Learning Commons can help them be successful.
is the university’s Disability Support Services 3 The outdoor perimeter of the
program that serves more than 200 students terrace enclosure “Our students are truly multi-taskers
each year; services for graduate students; and and they have a lot of responsibilities out-
the many programs supporting Dominican’s 4 The WeatherTech Innovation side of school,” Maciejewski says, “It is our
Latinx, African-American, undocumented and Lab responsibility to support them and help them
under-represented students. An especially ex- navigate the academic environment so they can
citing addition is the WeatherTech Innovation 5 DU alumna and current grad succeed.”
Lab, where students can learn and experiment student Shaina Warfield cuts the
with new software and emerging technologies ribbon at the virtual dedication “We want students to feel comfortable
including 3-D printing and green screens. Tu- ceremony. building learning communities among them-
toring, test proctoring and collaborative spaces selves and see tutoring as an extension of a
are plentiful, and for students seeking a more makes Dominican’s environment special is the study group, not as a result of struggle or a sign
contemplative space for study or reflection, the focus on helping students understand their of insufficiency,” Stockdale adds.
outdoor patio is now an enclosed glass atrium academic self.
with a small outdoor perimeter. The next phase “With an inviting, welcoming space for
of construction will include an expanded me- “We are hyper-focused on individual atten- students to gather, we hope to de-stigmatize
dia center on the lower level with a recording tion and supporting students one at a time,” help-seeking behavior and empower students
studio. Price says. “We create authentic faculty-to-stu- to ask questions,” Price says. “This generation
dent and student-to-student relationships, of students are savvy, well-versed learners and it
While the Learning Commons represents and understand that good ideas come from is important to be responsive to their needs.“
best practices at the university level, what working together. This is great professional
development practice, as well.”

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 19

faculty focus

Dominican faculty help build Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, Maryse Condé” in Stacy T. Kowalczyk, professor, School of
awareness and boost the reputation the new Contemporary Literary Criticism (CLC) Information Studies, and Allison Schein Holmes
of the university. We’re pleased volume published by Gale, Cengage. Her article, MLIS ’18, co-wrote the paper “The Studs Terkel
to highlight some of their recent “The Art of Hybridity: Maryse Condé’s Tituba,” Radio Archive: A Journey to Enhanced Usability
accomplishments. For more originally published in the Journal of the Midwest for Audio” in the Journal of Archival Organization.
information about faculty and Modern Language Association, is reprinted in this
their achievements, visit CLC volume, as well. Hassan Zamir, assistant professor, School of
dom.edu/faculty-focus. Information Studies, wrote a book chapter titled
Brennan School of Business “Cybersecurity and Social Media” in Cybersecu-
Rosary College of Arts and Sciences rity for Information Professionals: Concepts and
David Aron, professor of marketing, discussed Applications, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
Timothy Milinovich, associate professor of “Do or Die Marketing,” on the international busi-
theology, chaired the international meeting of the ness podcast, Bridging. He also was featured in Borra College of Health Sciences
task force on the topic of “God in Paul's Letters” the FastCompany.com article “How convenience
for the Catholic Biblical Association in August. stores such as Circle K and 7-Eleven are morph- Michelle Allen, assistant professor in nursing;
Milinovich is the editor-in-chief of the task force's ing in the C ID- 9 era.” Maureen Emlund, director of the simulation
upcoming collection of papers and will continue education center; Denise King, lecturer in
as chair as the group transitions to a continuing Anjali Chaudhry, pro- nursing; and Julia Sonnichsen, clinical assistant
seminar next year. fessor of management, professor in Physician Assistant Studies, co-wrote
published a paper titled the article “Healthcare Students’ Psychological
Nkuzi Nnam, professor of philosophy and direc- “Two to Tango? Implica- Well-being in a Diabetic Ketoacidosis Simulation”
tor of Black World Studies, wrote the book, Igbo tions of Alignment and in the journal Clinical Simulation in Nursing.
Jurisprudence, An African Philosophy of Law, Misalignment in Leader
Goldline & Jacobs Publishing, April 2020. and Follower Perceptions Tamara Bland, assistant
of LMX” in the Journal of professor in nursing and
Chavella T. Pittman, Business and Psychol- acting executive director
professor of sociology, ogy. She also is serving as a visiting professor of the Elizabeth T. Mac-
gave a presentation titled at the EM Strasbourg Business School for the Neil School of Nursing,
“How Institutions Derail 2020-202 academic year, teaching courses presented a virtual poster
Women Faculty of Color’s on the introduction to organizational behavior titled “Factors that Impact
Tenure via Teaching” at and leadership, and as a visiting professor at Black Nurses' Leadership
the virtual 2020 Annual the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, India,
Meeting of the American where she taught a graduate-level leadership and pportunities in Higher
Sociological Association. organizational behavior course seminar. Education” at the Nursing Education Research
The presentation was part of the special con- Conference, in addition to hosting a webinar for
ference thematic panel “Negotiating Power and Al Rosenbloom, professor emeritus of marketing the American Nurses Association. Bland also has
Status in the Academy: Everyday Experiences of and international business, co-wrote the chapter been appointed to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclu-
Women of Color Faculty.” Pittman also co-au- "Poverty and Responsible Management,” in the sion steering committee of the American Nurses
thored the paper “Workplace Stress and Discrim- Sage Handbook of Responsible Management Association.
ination E ects on the Physical and Depressive Learning and Education.
Symptoms of Underrepresented Minority Faculty Emily Radlowski, assistant professor in nutrition
(URM)" in the journal Stress and Health. College of Applied Social Sciences sciences, co-wrote the article “Hydrolyzed Fat
Formula Increases Brain White Matter in Small for
Gema Ortega, assistant professor of English, Adrian Kok, associate Gestational Age and Appropriate for Gestational
published "Where is home? Diaspora and hybrid- professor, School of So- Age Neonatal Piglets” in Frontiers In Pediatrics:
ity in contemporary dialogue,” in Moderna språk’s cial Work, and Charlotte Neonatology.
Special Issue, Culture on the move: Towards a Shuber ’07, MSW ’18,
minorization of cultural di erence. rtega also co-wrote the article “Hos- Other Accomplishments
served as academic advisor and co-writer of “I, pice Photograph’s E ects
on Patients, Families and Jeff Car on, provost and vice president for
Social Work Practice” in academic a airs, facilitated the virtual 2020 Insti-
the Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & Pallia- tute on Teaching and Learning for Campus-wide
tive Care, March 2020. Interfaith Excellence, hosted by the AAC&U and
the Interfaith Youth Core. Carlson also delivered
two presentations, “Integrating Interfaith Work
into Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives”
and “Embedding Interfaith Learning into General
Education.”

20 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

Delicacies is filled with recipes for more than 90 of Cote de Luna’s favorite
Italian dishes and photos from his many trips to Italy with students.

Cote de Luna Celebrates Italian Cuisine Giacomo Polinelli, director of the Language
Learning Center; with photography prepa-
Jeffery Cote de Luna, professor of painting, has combined his passions for art, travel and ration by Nick Lombardo ’20. Cote de Luna
cooking to create a beautiful book, Delicacies: Make Every Meal Extraordinary, filled with recipes received a grant from the Faculty Development
for more than 90 of his favorite Italian dishes as well as photos from his many trips to Italy with Committee to help cover the costs of printing
students. Recipes are accompanied by mouth-watering photos and suggested wine pairings. the book.
The book is a truly communal Dominican endeavor—instigated by Greg Zychowicz, graphic
design instructor; proofread by Sister Marcella Hermesdorf, assistant professor of English, and Much more than just a cookbook, the book
stands as a testament to Cote de Luna’s love
of food and Italy, both of which he has shared
with students who have accompanied him on
study abroad programs to Rome and Florence
for the past 25 years. These students have
had the rare opportunity to experience, with an
expert, some of the most spectacular works of
art and architecture in the world—and to enjoy
authentic Italian meals.

Cote de Luna dedicated Delicacies to all
of the students with whom he has had the
pleasure of sharing the art and culture of Italy.
“They have helped me see Italy with fresh eyes
on every visit,” he said.

For more information about the book, con-
tact Cote de Luna at [email protected].

Endowed Chairs featuring diverse gration policies
Reflect Prominence heroes and her- and the impact
and Distinction oines, teens and of the COVID-19
tweens caught pandemic. He will
Supported by generous donors, Endowed between cultures, deliver a public
Chairs provide a vital resource for attract- and children from lecture in the
ing and recognizing distinguished faculty the margins of spring.
for their scholarship, research and artistic society. Thomas
talents. Working with Dominican faculty, En- will participate in virtual visits in classes In addition to this year’s Endowed Chairs,
dowed Chairs help strengthen our curricu- this fall and lead a course in the spring Lisa Amoroso, professor of management,
lum and elevate our profile and reputation. semester on diversity of representation in has been named the John and Jeanne
young adult literature. Her public lecture Rowe Distinguished Professor in the
This year’s Endowed Chairs include: will also be held in the spring. Brennan School of Business. Amoroso’s
Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, Follett Chair, research focuses on status and diversity,
School of Information Studies, is an asso- Luis Argueta, Lund-Gill Chair, Rosary Col- teaching and learning, and research meth-
ciate professor in the Graduate School of lege of Arts and Sciences, is an award-win- ods. She currently teaches courses in
Education at the University of Pennsylvania. ning, Guatemalan-American film director leadership, cross-cultural negotiation and
Thomas’ work focuses on how people of and producer. Argueta has been telling conflict resolution, as well as the MBA
color are portrayed—or not portrayed—in transnational immigrant stories for more Gateway Practicum. Amoroso is involved
children’s and young adult literature and than 40 years. His documentary series on in the 2020 Title V Faculty Research and
how those portrayals shape our culture. immigration focuses on the human face of Curriculum Development Community, which
She regularly reviews children’s books immigrants, their resilience and contribu- is focused on researching practices and
tions to American society. Argueta will lead resources for culturally responsive teaching.
a course Fall 2021 on the study of immi-

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 21

class news

You Always Belong to Dominican afternoon; a group of the ladies 1965
in our building. I am blessed with
Class News items are submitted by alumnae/i and good diversion.” Mary Poelking Sclawy
do not represent positions, policies, or opinions of Class Agent
Dominican University. Items have been edited for 1963
length and content. Class News published in this issue Mary Fransioli Gilliland: “Re-
was collected before July 13, 2020; news submitted Susan Flynn tirement from East Carolina
after that date will appear in the Spring 2021 issue. If Class Agent University started March 14—“Pi
you have news or questions, please contact the O ce Day”. My math professor and grant
of Alumnae/i Relations at [email protected] or Susan Flynn: “We ladies, now administrator friend solicited an
(708) 524-6286. For up-to-date information about classified as vulnerable, are doing Endowed Preceptorship that will
alumnae/i, go to dom.edu/alumni. fine. It is odd to be in lockdown, allow a medical student to partic-
but we are managing. We follow ipate in forensic investigations,
Thank you for sharing your news! the rules, wear masks, wash research, and submit a poster to a
our hands, stay home. No trips, national meeting. The Lord opened
Undergraduate Alumnae/i 1962 nothing new. The email group a ministry for me with RCIA put
Class News has shared some past trips, old on in my parish by Evangelization
Mary Beth Vander Vennet Tallon, photos, local stories. And we have and Discipleship O ce. My class
1957 maintained our sense of humor! celebrated our 50th reunion at
Gloria Adams Mills, Elizabeth We are glad Dominican is man- Loyola University Stritch School
Ellen Bendry aging, too, and wish the students of Medicine. I presented the
Class Agent Freidheim, Carolyn Sweeney well. Our education helps us Gantner Lecture in recognition of
maintain a hopeful attitude.” contributions to the medicolegal
I had a conversation with Mary Judd, Corrine Carnivele Hanley, death investigation at the National
Dailey Knott. Before the pan- 1964 Association of Medical Examiners
demic, she had been the organist Kay Pielsticker Coleman on suspected child abuse.”
and pianist at Holy Spirit Catholic Class Agents Mary McGough Schultze
Church for 20 years. Mary visited Class Agent Thanks to Gerry Young, aka
Oak Park for the wedding of her Corrine Carnivele Hanley: “We’ve Harvee Lau, we found out a bit
grandnephew and then Iowa launched my husband Robert’s The pandemic made this year one about Mary Sero Owuor. In came
where she has two sisters. Her website Robert-Hanley.com. for the books. Joanne Colgan Gill an email from Yvonne Owuor,
husband Howard passed away in We’ve received the third printing had an easy time social distancing Mary’s eldest. Yvonne o ered the
2018. They were married for 59 of his book, Do You See What I from her cornfields—her nearest following until Mary writes: “She
1/2 years; seven children and 19 See? Discovering the Obvious. neighbor is a mile away. Daughter did her postgraduate in education
grandchildren. First great-grand- We are using Zoom for Robert’s Carrie raises chickens. Son Brian and taught biology and mathe-
child born in 2019. Fireside Fellowship ministry. My is in New Jersey and son Peter matics. Became a headmistress,
e orts to improve the treatment farms with his Dad. Moira is with the first non-nun head of Loreto
Cathy Klein and I celebrated of racehorses has been paying o P&G and John is in S.C. Convent Msongari, a girls’ school,
birthdays with zooming family with dozens of racing industry before retiring. She is mother of
and friends, and special foods -all members being indicted. Our Ginny Gaul Cullen had health eight children, doting, indulgent
homemade. prayers go out to those with issues that delayed her trek to grandmother of seven. Ruler of a
COVID and hope all our class- Naples last winter only to discover portion of the universe where she
Jean Horrigan-Delhey writes mates are staying well.” the virus left the restaurants is the Queen bee. Her plants bloom
“Every summer, I come to Chicago closed and—bummer—even the even in the dry season. She looks
and meet some classmates for a Carolyn Sweeney Judd: “It is bridge clubs. barely past 30. She’s called mother
luncheon; this is the first time in good I traveled in 2019: Mexico, to a million humans, animals,
10 years we cannot do this.” Canada, Seattle, Austin, for 2020 Barb Kuenn Hudson has joined plants. She is a widow; our father
is for staying home. It is time for the multigenerational living group. Tom Owuor died on October 24,
mask-wearing, not visiting, not She and Mike are building an in- 2012. She took care of him tender-
even driveway moments with law addition to daughter Jenny’s ly as he battled cancer and misses
friends. Zoom has become my go- home. Barb is dealing with back him deeply. Mum lives fully, and
to: my grandchildren on Tuesday issues but is working and helping lovingly. She is firm in her faith,
evening, my son who organizes with kids 11, 10, and 6. but tends to lecture God about
bingo and scavenger hunts; bridge the state of things. She is shy, but
on Monday; book club on Tuesday Bob and I planned a trip to when she overcomes that, she is
Chicago in March to check out vocal, gloriously opinionated, and
senior living options, the kids funny.”
want us closer. Then they went
into lockdown and we went back
to Michigan.

22 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

“I sang for the mayor of Florence, met Queen Helen of Romania and learned
to ride side-saddle on a motor scooter. It was a wonderful time.”

Elizabeth Fischer Monastero ’57

13 of us Zoomed thanks to Kim Marifred Broucek Cilella contin- Photo courtesy Lincolnwood Public Library
Regan, who set up the call. Once ues her work at Howard School,
we’d gotten through the “can’t but she had to bow out early on A Life in Song
hear you, where is your picture, the Zoom call.
what do I press” routine, we Elizabeth Fischer Monastero ’57 grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, and
settled in. Chon Schwope Wilson: “I am attended the University of Michigan with the goal of becoming a
recovering from my third knee re- music teacher. Then she won a scholarship for a graduate program
Barb Tucker Philipps: “I’ve been placement. Rog had a hip replaced in voice at Dominican’s school of the fine arts in Florence, Italy, and
‘Art Mom’ for my daughters who in March. We celebrated our 55th everything changed.
are home-schooling their children. anniversary quietly. Avoiding
I was Art Mom when they were in COVID-19 has not been too di - “When I got to Florence, it was as if I had been there before—like
school. I had a wonderful time de- cult in Sheridan. Lots of outdoor I was already an Italian as soon as I got there,” she said. “I sang for
veloping classes for the ‘littles.’ It space, few restrictions, and little the mayor of Florence, met Queen Helen of Romania and learned to
gives me a chance to talk to them lockdown. We go to Sunday Mass ride side-saddle on a motor scooter. It was a wonderful time.”
once a week and we have a great on TV. We have Zoomed with our
time. I’ve been doing deep dives California kids and the family in Elizabeth’s experience in Italy jump-started a singing career that
into genealogy. I found out one of West Yellowstone. Rog turned 80 took her all over the world, from the White House to the stage of the
my relatives, a revolutionary war but a celebration is postponed. Metropolitan Opera in New York. A mezzo-soprano, she sang with
ancestor, was a privateer, a legal We are stepping back as election Lyric Opera of Chicago, appeared on WTTW Chicago, and made
pirate!” judges to avoid all the people. Rog operatic debuts in Milan and Florence. A professor of voice at North-
keeps busy with his model railroad western University for 36 years, she’s currently working on a memoir.
Kim Regan: “When this is pub- and yard work. I have been sewing
lished, we may be in a second baby and toddler blankets but not parties with neighbors, each on Her work covers most of Asia, but
wave of virus, but I am hoping for sure how I will be selling them. their own decks. She returned to she can’t leave Japan without a
a respite this summer when we We both read and put together teaching. Her volunteer e orts quarantine upon return.
can do some out-of-home things puzzles.” were curtailed by health problems
without being leery of getting even before COVID. Her kids, one Nancy Kuhn Malling confirmed
within coughing distance of Mary Lidia Klodnycky-Procyk in town and one in California, call that they’ve moved across the
others. The good news is that we was feeling under the weather every day to check in. She thinks border from New Hampshire to a
have connected with friends and during the call, but continues to that’s a bit excessive. condo in Vermont. She’s weeding
family via Zoom, so we are feeling practice, relying on telemedicine memories from the big house as
even closer than before. Screen calls. She has Zoomed all over the Maureen McMahon Hibbott well as weeds from their garden.
time includes lots of TV. We world to keep in touch with her gardened with fruit cages to keep
have watched Death in Para- far-flung relatives. critters at bay. She keeps fit with Monique Schenone Edwards:
dise, Inspector Lewis, Midsomer Zoom classes, but can’t return to “We had to cancel our trip to
Murders, and Jane the Virgin. Our Dianne Hanau-Strain says her volunteer activities. The grandkids Mississippi with Nancie Edwards
kids were just the right age to son Aaron’s book, Death and Life in Asia seem to have escaped from Stewart and her husband. The trip
watch Mr. Rogers, so I enjoyed the of Aida Hernandez, continues to quarantine and plan to attend was scheduled for late September,
documentary and movie about sell. She’s still hoping to complete school in the west. Their mom and but I had a feeling that things were
him. Having read Becoming by a murder mystery while dealing dad are in Tokyo, where he trans- not going to get much better. The
Michelle Obama, I watched the with bone and joint issues. She ferred when COVID hit Shanghai. good news is that we are well.”
movie but was disappointed. I created a six-foot distancing pole
continue to quilt and have made for a solstice celebration. Their
numerous masks. I am resisting dinner party consisted of tables,
the urge to bake every dessert spread apart, with everyone
recipe I see. How long can I hold bringing their own setups.
out?”
Terry Condon has her grand-
Ellen Rooney Kelly: “I am ready daughter living with her while
to reunite. I hope we can get she’s attending Howard University
everyone who came to NY after on a music scholarship. Terry had
our 35th to Zoom. So glad I had an eye procedure.
such wonderful travels last year:
Freiburg, Basel, cross-country Monica Vogel Getzendanner was
road trip. I maintain connection involved with the six-year-old
with a ordable housing initiatives, grand twins till the virus hit. Now
something I worked on before re- she’s working on jigsaw puzzles.
tiring. And there’s always reading
with granddaughter Clementine.” Marj Gorzkiewicz Ford prefers
crossword puzzles and dance

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 23

class news “I like to be respectful of people, and that’s what you need to be
as an arbitrator. You have to show patience, and you have to be firm.

It’s fulfilling work, and I truly enjoy it.”

Dennis O’Brien ’75

Mary Brennan Sheahan chimed This year we hustled back to Illi- ogy professor and admissions of rain. Tomatoes growing in pots
in to say she appreciated getting nois, arriving the day before Shel- counselor in Florida.” soldier on. So do we all.
news, but she didn’t share any. ter-In-Place orders. And here we
have been. Plans for a family re- Maria Tsinonis Stavrakos wrote 1966
Diane Farr Knittle: “We started union at Disney with the Colorado to thank Kim for finding a way for
with cleaning. Then puzzles. Then crew, Jon and Randy from Florida, her to catch up on the Zoom call. Judy Purvin Scully
painting the kitchen. Reading. and cousins from North Carolina She reported that the husband of Class Agent
Long walks and drives to Finger were canceled. Nick is retired and
Lakes and Lake Ontario. Masks, enjoys online conversations with Bernadette Melone McCarthy Mary Ellen Filipek Scandale
gloves. Distance visiting local friends and programming and had died. retired after teaching French at
kids. Family Zoom. Daily Mass I have re-retired, from college Regina Dominican High School
with Bishop Barron and Wordon- tutoring and have gone back on We Sclawys are sitting where for over 40 years, noting, “I was
fire.org. Rosary every day with the the board of the Spectrum School. we’re planted, having canceled a just a child when I started. I miss
local priest online. Sunday Mass Chris is with the Public Defender’s cruise around Ireland. Also can- the kids and teaching, but sub and
livestream with our parish. That’s o ce in Colorado, and Jamie is a celed: Girls weekend in New York tutor. The timing of my retirement
our life and grateful for it!” professor of nursing there. Grand- with Tom and another weekend was good. My mom was in ex-
sons Anthony (middle school) and in NYC with pals celebrating tended health care at Holy Cross
Beverly Frazier Jung Zook: “Have Evan (third grade) are delights and one’s 70th birthday. Class of 65 is Village. One of my brothers broke
cancelled a lot of events, but the our joys. Jon is an online psychol- planning more Zoom calls. Let me his hip and resides at Holy Cross
worst is the grey roots showing know if you want in. After a soggy Village. So, I was really glad to
through my red hair. We acquired spring, the gardens saw not a drop have time for frequent trips there.
a new 38’ motorhome. Last sum- Unfortunately, my mom passed
mer we traveled 6,000 miles. We COPY AND PHOTO TK away on 2/7/20 – one day short
have acquired a maltipoo puppy of her 99th birthday. No matter
that is the cutest, smartest animal The View from the Other Side how much there is to celebrate,
ever. Thank God my husband it is not an easy time.” Mary
takes him on his five walks a Dennis O’Brien ’75 was appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to serve Ellen had planned to attend the
day! My daughter Kendra is living as an arbitrator on the Workers’ Compensation Commission of the Remembrance Mass at Dominican
in Chicago and has taken a job State of Illinois. In his new role, Dennis conducts hearings and makes to remember one of her group
with Lurie Hospital as Deputy decisions about work-related injury disputes between employees and from Fribourg who passed away.
Administrative Attorney.” employers. Mary Ann Tobon was from New
York and went to Ladycli , but
Frances Murphy Fleckenstein: Before joining the commission, Dennis practiced workers’ com- remained in contact. Unfortunate-
“We are sheltering in place in pensation law for more than 35 years, most recently as vice president ly, Mass was cancelled because of
California. We usually go home and secretary of Springfield law firm Livingston, Mueller, O’Brien and Covid-19. Mary Ann, along with
but the number of Covid cases Davlin. Serving on the commission seemed like a natural next step. our classmates, Dorothy “Pat”
is higher there than here. It was Wagner, will be remembered at
not hard to stay except we had a “Over the years I’ve tried over a thousand cases before the com- the Fall Memorial Mass.
run of triple-digit temps. We play mission, so I knew how the trials went and how to do them,” Dennis
golf or take a walk early and then said. “The question was, do I have the demeanor to sit on the other Willa Bickham had a gallery
stay inside. Doing a lot of reading side of the table? And the answer is that I do. I like to be respectful of exhibition at the Emmanuel
which we both love.” people, and that’s what you need to be as an arbitrator. You have to Episcopal Church in Baltimore.
show patience, and you have to be firm. It’s fulfilling work, and I truly Willa wrote: “Art has always been
Kash Creadon Sullivan main- enjoy it.” an important part of the Catholic
tained: “No News during this Worker. Dorothy Day told us to
pandemic. Doing some reading.” look for beauty even in the squalor
of the streets. The beauty and
Catherine Elkins: “I am shelter- tragedy of sharing a lifetime with
ing at home. My activities are our Baltimore neighbors inspires
cancelled. I do post o ce, com- all of the artwork I do. The mercy
posting, and grocery runs. I have and resistance are the themes of
been keeping in touch by phone. my work.”
My church activities are through
Zoom. So I am doing what most Donna Freehill Land wrote: “Ed
of us have been doing because of and I vacated the property we
COVID.” loved for 20 years—Landhaven
Bed & Breakfast. We will close
Carole Coppoletti Carbone: “Nick next year, but retired to Easton
and I have spent the winter
months in Tampa in past years.

24 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

PA, to a condo we have owned home. She was disappointed, but grandchildren, though I see them birthday, Pete has only wanted
for years. Downsizing from 7,000 we were grateful to have her safe. occasionally (with distance). I to go to a White Sox game with
square feet to 1,500 was no small miss eating breakfast out with us! Pete turned 20 and it will be
task, especially with the pandemic. All events at Dominican, along family! My 71-year-old cousin the first time Grandpa and he will
We are grateful for the blessings with in-person classes, were Susan and my 96-year-old aunt miss a game!”
that surround us—the friends who cancelled, including the Trustee Alice died of COVID-19. My
helped move, the auction patrons, Benefit, Scholarship Luncheon, youngest sister, Dianne, died in The 54-day cruise for Alice
the peaceful transition. We are now and Diane Kennedy lecture, which January. It’s a year of grief. There Kuehne Finn and her husband
in a walkabout city with access to were on our calendar. Sr. Diane are silver linings of this pandemic. John, did not go as planned. Alice
Newark Airport—which we plan is still recovering from a bad fall I’ve had zoom visits with friends I reported, “We were leaving in Feb-
to frequent. New email is: Donna. at St. Dominic Villa in Wisconsin, haven’t seen for years. And while ruary for South Africa & boarded
[email protected] and we still near the Mound. John and I visited I’m in zoom meetings, birds and our ship for our port at Athens,
use [email protected]. After giv- her and had hoped she would squirrels have been coming to the Greece. In March, we could not
ing myself a month to unpack, we attend the lecture named in her birdbath outside in front of my disembark when we stopped in
now have a place for everything honor, but it was not meant to be. computer. They seem to be o er- Colombo. Then India closed. We
and love not having deadlines. We We were pleased the COVID-19 ing a performance just for me.” spent 4 days at sea on our way
are organizing family photos and Relief Fund for students surpassed to Muscat, Oman and Abu Dhabi,
paperwork. I am cooking all our the goal of $500,000 to provide Janice Ciastko Lane reported: United Arab Emirates. The next
meals and love that challenge. Ed support for students who might “The kids, grandkids, and friends day, the United Arab Emirates had
is continuing to blacksmith great not have returned to Dominican are visiting from afar. The days closed all of its ports. We would
new projects—a railing for a local because of the financial hardship are full nevertheless. Emailing dock in Oman on Friday the 13th
Vet, a decorative piece for our Dr., the pandemic created. Thanks to friends, planning facetime visits when this cruise would end. That
more flower sculptures. We moved all who contributed! with Zoe (granddaughter, age was just the beginning. Our 54-
his blacksmith shop from our barn 6) or questions to ask Cy (age day cruise had been cut short at
to his new space. Sadly, my sister Lucille DiSalvo Hartman report- 8) about the natural world. My 22 days. We hoped that we would
Angela passed away March 16 ed: “Larry & I moved to Bonita daughter stopped to deliver a be healthy when we arrived home.
after bravely fighting lung cancer Springs, FL in 2017. We had been beautiful orange pansy for the urn Our new itinerary was from Oman
—Ed and I were able to drive out wintering here & decided to stay. at the front of the house. Today I to Amsterdam to Chicago. Despite
to see her in hospice. I really miss We got rid of almost everything took a virtual tour of the Louvre, ticketing, visas, panicking passen-
her. There are 3 of my 8 siblings and moved into our small condo & Egyptian wing.” gers, and the president imposing
gone now.” decided that we wanted a bigger a ban on flights from Europe, we
condo. Just before COVID we pur- According to Christine Heidtke were bused to the airport. Our
John and I were in Hawaii, re- chased a condo steps away from Clark, “I look forward to hearing ONLY problem was that Azamara
turning for the CASA conference our current one...and then every- from everyone, via FaceTime or had authorized our flight but had
in D.C. where John was given thing shut down. Doing all we had Zoom or in print. What Cam and I not processed our tickets! After
emeritus status after serving as hoped before we moved took lon- miss most is seeing our kids and a hold with our travel agent in
the Civilian Aide for the Secretary ger than normal. Workmen wore grandchildren. We have four adult Schaumburg, all was resolved.
of the Army for Illinois for 14 years. masks & we wore masks and that children and nine grandchildren In the terminal, we joined a long
Although the spouses participated continues. These are small issues who range from 5 years old to 23. line of passengers not touching,
in the first day, we had our own compared with what some people The only time we are all together but very close. You probably saw
special day that included a tour of are su ering. A group of friends is on Christmas Day. So we hav- the news from O’Hare—wall to
the National Cathedral and Mount get together for Happy Hour. We en’t seen the two families since wall people! We were directed to
Vernon, both of which are so rich used to meet outside, but it got Christmas! Our oldest grandchild, another line. We had no idea the
in history. We had a conference hot, so we met at our clubhouse Colleen, graduated from college; purpose, but followed through a
scheduled in Seattle and a trip to pool, masks when shopping, and but like all graduations, it was maze of aisles like those at Dis-
Israel and Jordan, both of which adapting to the new normal. My canceled. The good news is she neyworld. After another 2 hours, a
were cancelled. Our granddaugh- family & my 2 grandchildren are has a teaching job. Colleen said customs and border patrol o cer
ter, Grace Tucek, a junior at Clem- my joy & I miss them.” it was unusual interviewing via swiped our passports and directed
son, studied abroad in Spain. She Zoom! One of our grandsons us to another line. This was for the
was able to travel to Dublin and Judy Schleitwiler Wolicki was supposed to make his First actual health screening. Another
Amsterdam before arriving home reported: “I gave up my job as Communion. It was rescheduled in patrol o cer strongly suggested
in March. Although Clemson called the Field Secretary of the Illinois June. Only Nathan and his parents self-quarantining. He did not say
all of their study abroad students Yearly Meeting of the Religious were allowed to attend. Cam because of the mess we had just
back, she initially stayed because Society of Friends. I’m continuing and I watched the Mass online. gone through, but we felt that was
her study-abroad program was in my jobs as a chaplain at Good I have figured out Sudoku! I do reason enough. We proceeded
with an independent group. Once Samaritan Hospital and Lutheran crossword puzzles. Cam and I get to luggage, but we had arrived
that program went online, she flew General Hospital in Illinois. I am in games of Cribbage. Since our so long ago that our bags had
isolating from my children and grandson celebrated his second

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 25

class news

been removed from the conveyor. Mysteries. It is about an American self! “In Italy, our apartment is on TV; the news terrified me, and it
The next hurdle was to survive young woman in London during the sixth floor, with a spectac- doubled anxieties. I could not ac-
Coronavirus. We felt up to it— the Blitz, 1938–45. We have put ular view. Since our arrival, we complish much regarding my new
logged our temperatures and were our stationary bike to good use.” were stunned and could not stop digital monographic book, but I
doing the voluntary quarantine. Terry added additional news: “I admiring the city. Months of bliss, read a lot of novels. Still in Italy,
However, I developed body aches, finished several needlepoint proj- and then, Covid-19. The Brown trying to make it home in time
sore throat, cough, and chills. ects including the Christmas table University in Bologna students to celebrate Xmas with family, a
After a week of telemed visits, a runners. I remember enjoying my flew back home and the University normal I do not want to change!”
chest x-ray, an emergency room Grandmother Wilkinson’s crochet of Bologna went into a lockdown.
visit and a COVID-19 test, I was so I decided to make sure each of Funny how the beauty of the city Bev Doherty shared: “Tom and
admitted because my blood oxy- my children have something from was replaced by anxieties, how I returned to Milwaukee before
gen level was very low & the x-ray me. I do needlepoint ornaments to establish new ways of life, and the Covid-19 count spiked in
showed pneumonia. The Covid for each of the grandchildren. I setting parameters to distance Florida. We found that social dis-
results were positive. I was in the have been doing them since 2013. oneself. As anthropologists, our tancing and use of masks varied
hospital for 6 days. I was very I have become addicted to reading discipline is talking with people considerably through Alabama,
blessed to recover & now it’s just historical fiction. I finished the and gathering information, eth- Kentucky, Illinois. It feels better
possibly 6 months of up & down Huguenot Chronicles by Paul nographic data, and socializing in to be quarantined in Milwaukee. I
symptoms until complete recov- Monk and also Jean Grainger’s the process. I realized the need to love city life with fresh air, sounds
ery. The only residue problem is Star and the Shamrock series. talk with others; my husband and of sparrows, babies crying, chatter
scarring in my lungs which limits My 13-year-old granddaughter, I made unlikely friends. Who are of neighbors, workers pulling
normal breathing!” Hanna, and I discussed a book these people?? The local grocers, o old roofing talking with the
she is enjoying called When My buying cheese or bread became radio going. Even the creaking in
Terry Wilkinson Pawlik wrote: Name was Keoto. It’s about a girl an excitement, we looked forward this house is like our old home in
“We had hoped to make our yearly in Korea during the Japanese to chatting about anything. In Detroit. Now we have no movies,
trip up to Arizona for the 4th of occupation in the 1940s. We call it general, people walked almost in theater, art museums. But we have
July. We rent cabins and tent sites our ‘Virtual Book Club’.” silence fearing to talk with strang- bike trails, parks, the lake, books,
so we can enjoy the much cooler, ers, and, we were outsiders. Wine zoom, book club, lecture series.
mountain air up there. I con- Mitzi Battista Witchger reported: shops were always open and since On July 4th we were treated to
nected with Suzy Wills Kessler “We’ve been sharing photos of the recycle bins were outside we sweet violin as a woman practiced
and Kerry Hubata and both are what we have for dinner this past could DAILY hear the smashing on her balcony while neighbors
doing well. Our grandson, Aidan, month or so. We do get ideas from of the consumed bottles, at odd coaxed encores. People are active
made it home from Scotland. each other about something else hours. What were our thoughts, in community life. They have
After a quarantine, he was out we could have. Surprisingly it’s how did we cope, and did we look butterfly gardens and little free
of “house arrest” and able to be been a fun way to stay connected, forward to the next day, (or did libraries. Everywhere are home-
with his family. Everyone worked especially with our grandkids... we)? During the quarantine, the made Black Lives Matter signs
and studied from home. Kate is comments, some new recipes, & weekend meant nothing, and and peaceful demonstrations. It
homeschooling her two sweeties, all!” Monday was as good as what is hard to express how di erent
and Maya planned a ‘virtual 10th we made of Friday. We broke this is from Vero Beach where life
birthday party’ to which we were According to Kathleen Pudik Rey, the monotony of our habitudinal is comfortable, but very protect-
invited. Knowing our son-in-law, the Rosary connection is alive and activities because we could. Why ed and apart. Now I’m going to
Dan, it will be creative. Our clean- well in Sarasota, Florida. Sandy not have pasta for breakfast, or the park to finish Toni Morri-
ing lady is not able to come, but Kern Cyr came to the rescue, cornflakes for lunch? What was son’s Sula before book club meets.
we decided to “pay her forward” driving Kathy to the outpatient clear was the ease with the ability I read Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between
until we get the all clear. The mon- surgical center for her arthroscop- to shift gears. Indeed Covid-19 the World and Me. Do you remem-
ey is in the budget, so we’ll figure ic shoulder surgery. Sandy made forced us to welcome the transfor- ber we read Harper Lee’s To Kill a
it out when the dust settles—quite certain that their respective mation. The easiest was to change Mockingbird for discussion during
literally! We are working on friends would be providing meals what we did with the day; Sunday freshmen orientation at Rosary? I
household projects. I rarely watch for Kathy as she was recover- is not the only day of rest; night wonder what freshmen are read-
television so Ray keeps me up ing. Kathy has been doing Zoom and day are reversed. How could ing now.”
to date. I am trying to complete calls with family across 4 time a virus change us? The posi-
Christmas needlepoint table zones which provided a bit of a tive is, I kept up with my family, With a stay-at-home directive,
runners so my children will have challenge. According to Kathy, friends of family, our neighbors, hours were spent completing
two for their homes. I never knew they’ll continue the calls to stay students, got to know who did projects and satisfaction seeing
my grandparents so I thought to connected. what, when, and who passed away what had been accomplished—
make something special that my 6 unfortunately. Another positive something I had control over—in
grandchildren can say came from Lina Fruzzetti shared the for me was not to have opened the a world with so much uncertainty.
Nana. I read the Maggie Hope following, entitled Living with It was therapeutic for me. For John
Covid-19 fears, anxiety, and the

26 Dominican Magazine FALL 2020

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have a really strong circle of people sup-
porting me my whole life. Raising money to help other girls who haven’t

had those same opportunities was really meaningful.”

Concetta Cipriano Gacka ’07

and me, it was a ‘geriatric hon- Designing a Brighter Future people coming and going over
eymoon’ as we enjoyed precious three hours. Donna Renn greeted
time together with home-cooked Concetta Cipriano Gacka ’07 is a designer who runs her own fashion everyone and set the stage. Sis-
candlelight dinners which includ- studio specializing in bridal wear. So when she was invited to design ter Freeocopious (aka Marilyn
ed new recipes I never seemed to a garment for this year’s RefuSHE Fashion Challenge, she didn’t Freehill Jancewicz) presided,
find the time to try out. We stayed hesitate. complete with nun’s habit, keep-
connected with our parish and felt ing a lively conversation going.
a sense of community as we par- RefuSHE, a Kenya-based nonprofit, supports refugee girls from Classmates marveled at how
ticipated in live-streamed Masses. throughout sub-Saharan Africa through a holistic array of services we haven’t changed! Fun stories
including education, mentoring and skills training. The annual were exchanged as well as very
We hosted Zooms with Linda Fashion Challenge raises funds through a fashion show that invites poignant memories. It reminded
Miller Drennan and her husband emerging designers to create garments using fabrics hand-dyed by Mary Duncan Gemkow of family
John, Mitzi Battista Witchger girls and women served by the organization. gatherings where kids tell stories
and her husband Tom, Donna of what they kept from their
Freehill Land and her husband “Being involved with this was amazing because it’s about women parents. We reminisced about our
Ed, and Maureen O’Rourke empowering other women,” Concetta said. “I’ve been fortunate Rosary—favorite and not-so-favorite
Cannon and her husband Jim. It enough to have a really strong circle of people supporting me my classes, professors, mentors, com-
was great to touch base. We get whole life. Raising money to help other girls who haven’t had those muter life, dorm life, friendships, trips
together monthly to catch up. same opportunities was really meaningful.” together. Many shared memories
John and I are doing the same of the Sisters and lay professors
with my siblings. With one of my Concetta’s design—a white pantsuit with a dramatic blue-and- who were excellent teachers and
brothers living in North Carolina, white train—won the challenge, with 310 votes. The event raised very influential in our lives.
my parents and siblings were only nearly $125,000 to support RefuSHE.
able to get together once a year. Remember the Blizzard of 1967?
We would talk frequently, but A self-taught dressmaker, Concetta opened her own design busi- Remember a certain statue that
not all together at the same time. ness shortly after graduating from Dominican with majors in fashion mysteriously appeared in dorms,
We were fortunate that mem- design and merchandising and minors in studio art and business presenting a quandary for the
bers of our family were able to administration. “That combination gave me both the skills and the lucky recipient—how to return
work from home while their kids knowledge to pursue my goals,” she said. it without being seen? Remem-
were schooling online. We saw ber playing bridge in The Grill?
our daughters and their families the mosquitos won the battle. It to be seen how it will be celebrat- Remember the turbulent national
who live in Riverside, socially was a very di erent Fourth of July, ed. Stay tuned! events? Of special interest now
distancing as we talked to them but one we’ll remember because were memories of the social
through glass doors or outside on we treasured time together which 1968 justice work that classmates did—
our daily walks, minus the hugs. we had been missing. like tutoring kids in west-side
We visited our son in Wilmette, Mary Duncan Gemkow, Suzanne neighborhoods, participating in
sitting outside at a special table Our lives have all been put on hold Engle civil rights demonstrations, volun-
so we could enjoy spending time and there doesn’t appear to be an Class Agents teering for summer social justice
together without being in close end in sight, but we have learned programs. Many of us were activ-
proximity. what is truly important – faith, Hi, 68ers! Our Zoom Reunion ists then and now. We shared how
family, friends, health. Our 55th was fantastic! 35 classmates we’re coping with all the amazing
Two of our kids and their families reunion will be in 2021. It remains from 16 states participated, with events of 2020.
joined us for Fourth of July week-
end in Minocqua. It was the first Kathy Wessels Cook o ered the
time we’d been together since Irish blessing: “May the road rise
March and the weather allowed us up to meet you. May the wind be
to be outside for meals, boating, always at your back. May the sun
swimming and skiing. Bedrooms shine warm upon your face, and
and bathrooms were assigned by rain fall soft upon your fields. And
family and only 2 at a time in the until we meet again, may God hold
kitchen. While we were on Fence you in the palm of his hand.”
Lake, a flotilla of decorated boats
circled. There were 50+ boats so- It was so much fun that we are go-
cially distancing on the lake in the ing to have more Zoom Reunions.
evening to watch fireworks. We We look forward to seeing you!
watched Hamilton outside on the
big screen our son brought until The ’68 Posse continues to brain-
storm ways we can stay in touch
with all of you. Our next Zoom

Dominican Magazine FALL 2020 27