Dom Spring 21_F by pages

SPRING 2021

A Consequential Leader

27 MOMENTS Q & A WITH A LEGACY BEYOND
Highlights from 27 years of
extraordinary leadership. DONNA CARROLL CAMPUS
“It is all, and always, Colleagues share
about our students.” thoughts on
Donna Carroll’s impact

The Magazine of Dominican University
SPRING 2021

PRESIDENT

Donna M. Carroll

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR
EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT

Leslie B. Rodriguez

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica Mackinnon

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Martin Carlino
Margaret Currie
Antonio Rivas
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 Dominican University for its
alumnae/i and friends. Reproduction in
whole or part without written permission is
prohibited.

© 2021 Dominican University

Cover: Donna Carroll was named by the
Wednesday Journal as the 2017 River Forest
Villager of the Year. In a recent editorial, publisher
Dan Haley referred to Donna as “a consequential
leader” and credited her with “crafting a social
justice platform that infuses Dominican with a
progressive Catholic message, which is profound
and expansive.”

This page: During her presidency, Donna Carroll
has helped raise millions of dollars for student
scholarships. Several students recently had
the opportunity to visually thank her and other
donors for their extraordinary generosity.

table of contents

4
Board of Trustees
announces the
Donna M. Carroll
Learning Commons

6
Reflections on
Donna Carroll’s
relationship with
Sisters and faculty

25
The gift that keeps
on giving: the
Donna M. Carroll
Endowed Scholarship

departments 43 26
A photo montage celebrating
30 In Sympathy the lighter side of Donna
Carroll
Class News 27
The Dominican Stars’
greatest booster

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 1

from the president

So Proudly Dominican

“It is time now, as the It is hard to say good-bye after so many years and shared experiences. I had hoped
Dominican theologian to spend the last few months visiting with you, presiding over events and attending
Meister Eckart, OP parties; but that was not to be. Instead, I write with gratitude, knowing that this
once said, to ‘trust in magazine cannot replace a hug or a toast or the exchange of a particular story.
the magic of new
beginnings—’ for me It has been my privilege to be your president for the last 27 years. As you have
and for Dominican heard me say so often, I came for the job, I stayed for the mission, and Dominican
University.” University and I grew up together. What a transformative journey it has been,
positioning the university for a strong future.
2 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021
I remember the ÿrst time that I ever saw the Rosary College campus, on an
exquisitely beautiful spring day, buds bursting. ° e Gothic grandeur of the buildings
and the intimacy of the setting called to me. And, that sense of place, purpose and
possibilities has inspired my presidency every day, just as it has shaped the lives of
generations of alumnae/i.

As I leave my Dominican home, there are so many people that I need to
recognize, in particular the Dominican sisters who have been my steadfast companions,
surrounding me with love. I also am very grateful for the leadership of the board of
trustees and for the generosity of alumnae/i and donors. And, it is hard to imagine a
more deeply committed faculty and sta˛ , or a more industrious student body. In all,
the extended Dominican family has been a special gift to me, enriched by engaged
neighbors and a posse of professional colleagues.

It is time now, as the Dominican theologian Meister Eckhart, OP once said, to
“trust in the magic of new beginnings”—for me and for Dominican University. From
the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your enduring support and conÿdence.
Never doubt that I will be forever So Proudly Dominican.

Sincerely,

Donna M. Carroll, President

Blessing for Retirement

This is where your life has arrived
After all the years of effort and toil;
Look back with graciousness and thanks
On all your great and quiet achievements.
You stand on the shore of new invitation
To open your life to what is left undone;
Let your heart enjoy a different rhythm
When drawn to the wonder of other horizons.
Have the courage for a new approach to time;
Allow it to slow until you find freedom
To draw alongside the mystery you hold
And befriend your own beauty of soul.
Now is the time to enjoy your heart’s desire,
To live the dreams you’ve waited for,
To awaken the depths beyond your work
And enter into your infinite source.

—JOHN O’DONOHUE
from his book To Bless the Space Between Us

Photograph: Donna Carroll’s office window

4 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

The Donna M. Carroll Learning Commons

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 5

Reflections on a

Shared Sense of Mission

Sister Diane Kennedy, retired vice president for mission and ministry, open door of her o° ce was a visible sign of
and Chad Rohman, dean of Rosary College of Arts and Sciences and a leader committed to the living community
professor of English, offer tributes to Donna Carroll on behalf of their of students and faculty, sta˛ and administra-
respective constituencies, the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters and the faculty tion, and to the relationships that sustained
of Dominican University. Both commend Donna for her commitment to community.
Dominican’s mission, culture and traditions and for her transformative,
collaborative leadership—and for always “doing her homework.” In turbulent times, she has embodied
her philosophy of leadership: absorb chaos,
TWENTYSEVEN YEARS AGO, Donna that in 1994, Donna Carroll became a Jesuit give back calm, build conÿdence. ˜ e 2020
Carroll was driving to the Mound in Sinisi- expatriate in the Midwestern outpost of the President’s Report is entitled “Forward Fear-
nawa, Wisconsin with Henry Lang, the chair Sinsinawa Dominicans. In the tradition of lessly.” ˜ at could be the motto for the many
of the board of Rosary College. ˜ ey came a founder who was a builder, educator, and years of Donna’s leadership of Dominican
upon a road sign for Benton, Wisconsin, visionary, Donna intuited the spirit that had University. Parmer Hall and Murray Hall,
and Donna exclaimed, “Henry, that’s where shaped the culture and mission of Rosary the soccer ÿeld and the Learning Commons
Father Samuel is buried!” Donna, of course, College and opened herself to a future that in Crown Library, surrounded by a beauti-
had done her homework on the Domini- would reveal her to be a builder, educator ful campus, are lasting structures that give
can roots of Rosary College and knew the and visionary—a worthy daughter of the witness to an understanding like Father
importance of Samuel Mazzuchelli. ˜ at gifted missionary. Samuel’s—that the community needs places
spontaneous detour and nascent a° nity of beauty and learning that image lasting
between Donna and Samuel must have Donna brought gifts of imagination, values and the fullness of human experience.
called down Father Samuel’s blessing on the intellectual brilliance, strategic planning, and
mutual discernment that named Donna as personal warmth to the mission of Rosary But for the Dominican Sisters, Donna
the ÿrst lay president of Rosary College. College. But, most of all, she brought her has become a cherished member of our
personal spirit of openness to all, appreci- family and a beloved friend. Her personal
To celebrate the achievements and re- ation of diversity, wit and keen intellect as warmth, generous spirit, and gift of humor
markable legacy of Donna Carroll’s presiden- well as warm humor and compassion. ˜ e have created an atmosphere of joyful com-
cy of Dominican University is to tell a story munity and sustained celebration of caritas
of providential call and generous faith-ÿlled and veritas. But most of all, we are grateful
response of a gifted young woman who
would carry the mission and tradition of Donna intuited
Rosary College into the future. ˜ e spirit of the spirit that had
the founder of the Sinsinawa Dominicans, shaped the culture
Samuel Mazzuchelli, su˛ used the traditions and mission of Rosary
and culture of Rosary College—love of College and opened
learning, appreciation of beauty and the arts, herself to a future that
sense of mission, and openness to a possible would reveal her to be
future. A dominant theme of Father Samu- a builder, educator and
el’s life was that “a Christian’s native country visionary.
is wherever God calls her.” And so it was

6 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

Donna’s regular outreach reminds faculty and sta
of her steadfast commitment to their well-being, and it
signifies her relentless e ort to work always in community
with her colleagues.

for her unfailing understanding of and universities were not ready to do so. Many but rather as an attempt to get it right—and
commitment to the mission of Dominican in the Dominican University community that is what she is about: getting it right.
University and for her transformative leader- have followed her courageous lead, resulting
ship. Sinsinawa Dominicans’ core conviction in ongoing equity and inclusion initiatives, Donna has gravitas. ˜ ose who have
is “at the heart of ministry is relationship.” which faculty and sta˛ from across the uni- seen her at work among her peers, wheth-
Our relationship with Donna Carroll is root- versity direct and support. er through the Council of Independent
ed forever in caritas and veritas, and she will Colleges (CIC), or the Network for Vocation
be forever remembered and cherished by her Always optimistic, Donna faithfully in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE),
Dominican Sisters. attends to the successes and challenges of for example, know when Donna speaks, her
growing a regional university into a leading colleagues listen. I have observed Donna’s
Sister Diane Kennedy institution in terms of quality, social mobili- professional disposition closely during my
Retired Vice President for ty, and value. She has positioned Dominican 23 years as a faculty member, faculty trustee,
Mission and Ministry for many more years of continued success, and now administrator at Dominican. I
due to her vision, strong work ethic, and know from ÿrst-hand experience that Donna
DONNA CARROLL, Dominican University collaborative leadership style, particularly does her homework, whether in prepara-
President. ˜ ese ÿve words, conjoined for involving strategic planning initiatives. tion for a conversation with a room full of
more than a quarter of a century, speak vol- trustees, or in preparation for a one-on-one
umes. Speciÿcally, they represent President Donna’s particular skill is her ability to conversation with a faculty or sta˛ member
Carroll’s 27-year commitment to supporting relate to and communicate e˛ ectively with in her o˝ ce. Diet Coke or no Diet Coke
our Sinsinawa Dominican Catholic mission her faculty and sta˛ . A fellow English major, in hand, Donna is always prepared, always
in its multiple dimensions: relationship Donna takes great pride in how she com- honest, and always present.
building; Hispanic serving; liberal arts and municates, whether in person or through
sciences and pre-professional preparing; her writing—no dangling participles or split My running joke with Donna is that
vocation and career supporting; and social inÿnitives ÿnd a home in her prose. Sincere, she hired me to Dominican three times;
justice seeking. forthright, and honest, Donna’s regular hers is that she was the reason I returned to
outreach reminds faculty and sta˛ of her Dominican after a brief detour in my early
“Donna,” as she is known by her col- steadfast commitment to their well-being, academic career. Regardless, we each feel a
leagues, will leave Dominican at the end and it signiÿes her relentless e˛ ort to work close kinship in this way, and we both share
of this academic year with a strong legacy always in community with her colleagues. a deep sense of trust in each other, and in
across multiple fronts. However, her support our shared love of Dominican’s mission.
for students who would not otherwise ÿnd a No administrator is immune from
campus to call home stands out. She bravely missteps. Donna would not only admit Congratulations and thank you, Donna!
committed Dominican as a Sanctuary to having made some missteps in her long
Campus when other Catholic colleges and tenure, but she would also confess to owning In Caritas et Veritas.
up to them quickly and sincerely. However, for
Donna, owning up is never done as an excuse, Chad Rohman
Dean, Rosary College of Arts and
Sciences, and Professor of English

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 7

Q&A with Donna Carroll

“I CAME FOR THE JOB,
I STAYED FOR THE MISSION,

and Dominican University and I Grew up Together”

You began your higher education career in Kindred Spirits and I wore short skirts and high heels, which I quickly
student a airs. How did this prepare you for In 2018, Donna learned were crippling when walking miles through
your role as president of a university? Carroll was the the corridors of the Motherhouse. I remember an af-
inaugural recipient fectionate curiosity the ÿrst time I visited the Mound.
˜ ere is no doubt that I have a particular way of of the Cornerstones
inhabiting the role of president because I began Award from the ˜ e Sisters have been my greatest cheerleaders;
my career as a residence hall director (University Sinsinawa Dominican from the beginning, they understood that the institu-
of Cincinnati) and director of student activities Sisters. e award tion was at a pivotal point and needed new direction
(Fairleigh Dickinson University). Like most student honors four pioneering and a stronger external proÿle. It was the Sisters’
development professionals, I am process driven. I young Sisters who pioneering spirit and willingness to change in the
prioritize planning above all else, except students. stepped into leadership best interest of the school/students that gave me the
Had I not started out in student a° airs, I doubt that roles in the mid- courage and context in which to build forward.
I would have had the skills or comfort level to work 1800s, much like
with the complexity of student needs and voices that Donna did in 1994. You were appointed president of Rosary
a president faces today. College at the age of 39, as one of the
youngest college presidents in the country.
Student a° airs work tests your resilience. I was 22 How did that happen? Was there a particular
years old the ÿrst (and only) time that I had to tell a moment that gave you confidence that Rosary
father that his daughter had committed suicide. Few would be a good fit for you?
challenges have matched that moment, and as a con-
sequence, I lead di° erently. I have greater patience Early in my career, I was blessed to have strong
for helicopter parents; I believe in second chances; mentors with high aspirations for me and it was their
and I try to keep my door and my heart open. guidance and encouragement that helped me advance
quickly professionally. An important mentor once
My background in student a° airs also taught told me, “Do not not do it out of fear.” ˜ at advice
me not to take myself too seriously, which was changed the trajectory of my career, got me to Chica-
essential when trying to corral inebriated students go, and shaped many a decision thereafter.
while standing knee-deep in water (hopefully!), after
they had ˝ ushed all the toilets in the residence hall ˜ ere were two moments during the search process
at once. ˜ is was a good foundation for serving when I knew Rosary was a good ÿt. In the interview
as a president, with its often messy and humbling schedule, there was this ‘conversation with the college
challenges. community,’ and I walked into the recital hall, and
every living, breathing, ambulatory member of the
Although you have always been a strong academic community, from entry-level professionals
Catholic and a feminist, you were very to senior faculty to the Sisters from the convent, was
di erent, at least outwardly, than the sisters. there. ˜ ere were no pre-designed questions. I gave
What was their initial impression of you? some opening remarks and then we just talked—and
laughed. It was a comfortable conversation, and
I think that the Sisters enjoyed my energy and opti- mutually conÿdence-building.
mism. I was younger than expected, from New York,

8 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

Donna has enjoyed a
special relationship with the
Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters,
who she has referenced fondly
as her greatest cheerleaders.
During the 2013 Fall Trustee Dinner,
she gathered with (left to right)
Sr. Patricia Mulcahy ’63,
Sr. Michelle Germanson,
Sr. Jean Murray (front),
Sr. Diane Kennedy and
Sr. Marci Hermesdorf.

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 9

Q&A

Th other moment came in the convent, always leaves you wanting. I prefer to think You have a mantra that has guided
with the Sisters. My father had died between in terms of well-being and happiness. you through the challenges of your
my firs and second interview and so, I was presidency. Can you share it?
still feeling that loss when I arrived on cam- For me, happiness is not just a feeling;
pus. As we were beginning my congregation it is a choice. For 27 years, in most of my I have to credit the Dominican faculty
interview, Sister Mary Woods said, “We’d major speeches to the university communi- for inspiring this one. After years of con-
like to take a moment and pray for your ty, in writing or from a podium, I end my vening the Academic Council, engaging
father.” Tha sense of caring—the caritas that remarks with a simple statement— “It is in lively, unfilte ed conversations with
we talk about—was present in that moment my privilege to be your president.” I try to colleagues, my mantra is—absorb chaos,
and deeply felt. lead everyday with that outlook, focusing respond calmly and, over time, you will
on the possibilities and recognizing that build confidenc in your organization
You are one of the longest-serving the work is not about me. and your leadership.
university presidents in the country.
When you started at Rosary, did you Everyone on campus, from the senior Th president manages boundaries
think that you would be here 27 years administrators to the students to the —in conversation, practice, and culture.
later? Is there something that kept buildings and grounds crew, calls I ensure that the lights get turned on and
you at Dominican this long? you “Donna” instead of “Dr. Carroll.” the bills get paid, so that the important
How is that a reflection of your work of the university, teaching and
As I often say, I came to Rosary College for leadership style? learning, can proceed with integrity and
the job. I stayed for the mission, and Do- without distraction.
minican University and I grew up together.
“Like most academics of my generation, I was
Like most academics of my generation, I not raised to fit in—or stay put—so the sense of
was not raised to fi in—or to stay put—so the place and relationship that I found at Rosary
sense of place and relationship that I found at was unexpected.”
Rosary was unexpected. I came from academ-
ic privilege, and it was assumed, at least by It is a holdover from my student affair What do you consider some of your
my mentors, that I would settle among the days, like providing parents with my home greatest achievements and some
privileged and pursue my individual pathway phone number at orientation. I like to of your greatest challenges during
to success. But Dominican University offe ed be approachable and welcoming. When I your tenure at Dominican?
me a diffe ent future—and the opportunity firs moved into my offi in Lewis Hall,
to advocate for students who would not I moved the bookcases that blocked my I suspect that history will describe me as
otherwise have the educational opportunities view into the foyer so that I could see the the president who changed the name of
that, in hindsight, I took for granted. I fell students walking past. I wanted to see who the institution, and I am proud of that
in love with the mission and the spirit of was dating whom! When I am in my offi decision—and its successful evolution.
the place. and not in a meeting, my door is open be- I also raised a lot of money, relatively
cause being available for students, faculty, speaking, added academic programs
You have often referred to the position and staff is my firs priority. and built buildings, all of which have
of a college president as being a reshaped the institution. At this moment,
lifestyle rather than a job. Can you Th university is not only an enterprise, however, I think that the university’s
explain? but also a community, and that relation- impact on the social mobility of lower
ship-centered approach always has define income, first-generation-to-colleg stu-
Leadership is a lifestyle, one that overwhelms my leadership style. I can see the sense of dents is my most satisfying contribution,
all else on occasion, but, if what is mean- belonging in the enthusiastic greeting of a because it speaks to the heart of mission
ingful to you personally, and the priorities dining hall staff member, saying “Hi Donna!” —and, in the best of circumstances,
of your institution align, it is a distinctively
fulfillin experience. I am not a big advocate
of balance, truthfully, because that aspiration

10 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

changes lives and families and communities. Students Above All
In terms of challenges, I told the board
Dominican has served as
recently that, “What makes us distinctive the primary sponsor of
does not necessarily make us wealthy!” Tha the Frank Lloyd Wright
was a challenge 27 years ago and it is a Races in Oak Park for
diffe ent, but similar challenge today, if that the past 15 years—and
makes sense. Catholic higher education is Donna Carroll gamely
called to lead at the margins of society—“to leads the pack every year.
go where the work is great and difficul ” and
that often means tight margins financiall . The revitalization of
the theatre arts program
Otherwise, I would have to say that the has been one of Donna’s
issues of diversity, equity and inclusion have greatest sources of
a particular urgency and a complexity today satisfaction.
that I only began to tackle leadership-wise.

You have been an advocate for the
rights of undocumented students for
more than two decades. Was there a
particular incident or pivotal moment
that sparked your interest in helping
these students?

It all started with one student on a bicycle
in a snowstorm. I stopped my car to give
him a ride and when I asked why he was on
his bike in such weather, he explained that
he was undocumented and, at that time,

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 11

Q&A

he could not get a driver’s license. I then the university’s reputation in the community with resourcefulness, determination, and a
attended a student panel, endorsed legisla- and beyond. Over the years, I have had deep and binding affection
tion, spoke at a rally—all at the invitation of the opportunity to hobnob with some great
Dominican students. One day, I did a CNN contemporary thinkers—David Brooks, I don’t dare equate my experience with
interview and the trajectory of my presiden- Michael Eric Dyson, Helen Prejean, recently. the pioneering role of those four corner-
cy changed forever—and for the better. And, I have hosted the great opera and stones, but we are kindred spirits.
Broadway stars of our day—Renée Fleming,
Over the years, advocating for the rights Samuel Ramey, Audra McDonald, Matthew Because of your obvious a nity for
of undocumented students has given me an Morrison, and many, many more. Dominican, as well as for your role as
experience of mission-in-action, like no oth- its leader, the decision to retire must
er experience. It has challenged me to use In 2018, you received the inaugural have been very di cult. Why did you
my voice, my influence and the resources of Cornerstones Award from the think this was a good time to step
the university to not only open doors for tal- Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. As down?
ented students, but also to address systemic Dominican’s first lay president, this
injustices. must have been a full-circle moment When you have built a place and care for it
for you. Can you share why that honor, as deeply as I care for Dominican, your last
For me it is all, and always, about our among so many honors that you have great gifts to the institution are a strong plat-
students. The have risked so much in the received, was especially meaningful? form for continuing success and a smooth
pursuit of justice and opportunity. How can transition. I saw the moment.
I not stand in solidarity with them!
Dominican weathered the challenges
“At the time, I thought it was perhaps a career move for of COVID-19, opened robustly last fall
her. She would make her mark and move on. But she and, despite the craziness of the pandemic,
stayed, of course, and became devoted. It became her we have stunning rankings and relatively
life. You could say she got the mission, but in reality, stable finances I have great confidenc in
the mission gets you. And the mission got her.” the board and the senior leadership team,
so it is a manageable time for a transition in
—Sister Marcella Hermesdorf leadership.

Under your leadership, Dominican has It was meaningful, because it was a gift from Don’t get me wrong, letting go is
developed a reputation as a venue “my” Sisters, and because it was their firs heart-wrenching. Then again, it is nice to
for nationally known performers award. You have to understand the history. leave on your own terms, when people still
and speakers. Is there a performer or like you!
speaker who surprised you or who has In 1994, Sr. Kaye Ashe spoke passion-
made a lasting impression on you? ately to her Rosary College board colleagues For every university president, there is a
about the readiness of the community to chapter and a voice. I like to think that mine
Actually, it is the revitalization of the theater appoint its firs lay president. Not until the have been transforming and compelling, at
arts program at Dominican that gives me the trustees were hanging my picture on the wall my best moments.
greatest satisfaction. I love sitting in the back did I fully understand how diffe ent I was
of the Lund or Martin and watching our from previous presidents, and, therefore, You have been president of Dominican
students perform. the magnitude and generosity of Kaye’s en- for almost your entire adult life. How
dorsement. Years later, I discovered the story do you envision your next chapter?
We have had some big anniversaries of the cornerstones—four young, religious
recently—the 20th year of DUPAC, our women stepping into leadership. What they I am not pressuring myself to make any
Performing Arts Center, and the 15th anni- lacked in years and gravitas, they countered big decisions at this point. I have a number
versary of the Siena Center, both of which of continuing professional commitments,
speak to our educational mission and build which I look forward to giving more time. I
want to do a bit of writing, and walk on the
beach. Ultimately, I want to experience the
freedom to be “ordinary,” if you know what
I mean.

12 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

27 SIGNATURE MOMENTS Donna Carroll has had an
IN 27 YEARS: immeasurable impact on Dominican
University and is leaving a legacy
Highlights of Extraordinary that will be felt by generations of
students, faculty, and sta . Since
Leadership and Service her arrival as president in 1994, her
vision and strategic leadership have
dramatically changed the course
of the university—and positioned
Dominican for future growth. Below
are some highlights of her 27-year
tenure.

THE IMPORTANCE
OF STRATEGIC

1 LEADERSHIPIn 1994, Rosary College’s presidential search com-
mittee advanced the name of only one candidate,
selected for the “combination of education, diversity
of experience, high level of energy, and managerial
skill” the committee deemed “perfectly suited” for
Rosary’s 10th president. They were looking for a
strategic, visionary leader—and that is what they got
with Donna Carroll.
In her inaugural address, Carroll cited a Con-
fucius proverb, “Task and vision are parts of one
whole: without a dream, even a strong leader is
doomed; vision, however, remains only a vision
without a task.” A strong leader, a vision, and a task
proved to be a great recipe for the future of the
college, and Carroll’s first Vision for the Centennial
strategic plan identified pivotal changes and oppor-
tunities that positioned the institution for growth.
Reflecting the institution’s broad academic
portfolio, including a growing number of graduate
programs, Carroll thoughtfully managed a name
change to Dominican University in 1997. The
name launched a new era, while embracing the
traditions and values of the institution’s founders by
maintaining the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences
undergraduate college. Majors and programs were
added to meet the anticipated demand for new

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 13

MOMENTS

critical learning and living spaces, and contributions from fellow corporate

the provision of scholarships supporting leaders.

career paths, and strategic partnerships thousands of deserving students. Motivated Parmer Hall, Dominican’s state-
were established to propel Dominican’s by mission and inspired by Carroll’s of-the-art academic building, opened

growth—in size and stature. bold vision, the generosity of Domini- in 2007, and was made possible by a

When the university celebrated its can’s community of donors and supporters generous contribution from two stalwart

Centennial in 2001, Carroll already was helped bring dream projects to life. university leaders, John C. and Carolyn
immersed in the Launching Our Second J. Parmer ‘52. Pier and Renee Borra ’64
Century strategic plan that included a vision made a significant investment in the fu-

for a premier university with goals for size, ture direction of the university by funding

scope, and reputation at both the under- the Borra College of Health Sciences,
graduate and graduate levels, and a bold located within Parmer Hall. The Elizabeth
and comprehensive master campus plan. T. MacNeil School of Nursing, named in
recognition of WeatherTech founder and
Pathways to Distinction represented

the voice of a maturing institution. The alumnus David MacNeil’s gift honoring

plan introduced a new level of data-in- his mother, is launching students into

formed decision-making and included a high-demand, essential health careers.

comprehensive Information Technology These gifts have advanced the univer-

Plan as well as new enrollment forecast- sity’s stature and demonstrate the impact

ing and financial aid leveraging models. of philanthropic leadership.

Now well into her fourth strategic plan,

A World of Di erence, Carroll remains

determined to reach high benchmarks for HALLMARKS OF
degree completion, vocational discern-

ment, intercultural competence, faculty THE VALUE OF REPUTATION

recruitment and retention, building en- A AND

NAME PRESTIGEdowment, and financial stability.On a small campus, there is a special Endowed chairs represent donor
intimacy to a name, which comes with a investments in reputation and financial
Donna Carroll, indeed, is proven to bestory and anchors a place. While many ofstability and reflect the maturing of
“perfectly suited” for Dominican University.Dominican’s buildings honor the legacy an institution’s fundraising e orts.
of Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, since Dominican’s four named chairs—the
THCRAEMEPCAAIGPINTSAL 3 4Capital campaigns are massive un-1994 several noted business and com-Follett Chair (School of Information
munity leaders have demonstrated their Studies), Lund-Gill Chair (Rosary
dertakings and, under Donna Carroll’sconfidence in the university’s stability by College of Arts and Sciences),
leadership, Dominican has launched andlending their names and committing their Christopher Chair and the Norman
completed three successful fundraisingresources to support particular initiatives. and Ruth Carroll Chair (both in the
e orts, including Heart and Mind Brennan School of Business)—have been
(2002), Amazing Possibilities In 2006, the Brennan School of vital resources for attracting globally
Business was named in honor of re- distinguished scholars and thought
2(2008), and Powerful Promise leaders. The John and Jeanne Rowe
tired Sears Roebuck CEO Edward

A. Brennan and his wife, Lois ‘55.

(2019). These ambi- Brennan was a highly Distinguished Professorship recognizes

tious, transforma- regarded Chicago outstanding Brennan faculty whose

tive campaigns have civic and business teaching and research have enhanced

raised more than $165 leader revered for his Dominican’s profile.

million for the expansion commitment to business

of academic programming ethics. His leadership gift to

and services, the addition of the school, in turn, attracted

14 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

YEARS

FOUR COLLEGES, Today, Parmer Hall is home to the
CENTENNIAL HALL ONE UNIVERSITYThe opening in 2004 of Centennial Borra College of Health Sciences, the
Dominican began the 2016-2017 year MacNeil School of Nursing, the Bluhm
Hall, Dominican’s newest residence with a new academic structure designed Science Center, and the Christopher
hall, marked a significant milestone for to streamline operations while providing Nutrition Sciences Center. The build-
Dominican. Designed in response to a for agility and creative synergy between ing contains laboratories, cutting-edge
growing undergraduate student popula- the undergraduate and graduate equipment, and a state-of-the-art
tion, as well as a demand for suite-style programs. The new model organized simulation education center. The physi-
the university into four academic units, cian assistant studies program and the
5 7rooms and common areas, the building maintaining the Rosary College of Arts post-baccalaureate pre-medical program
added 500 beds to student housing. and Sciences and the Brennan School of were launched in response to student
The Gothic-inspired residence hall, which Business, adding the College of Health demand and to prepare students for
was renamed in 2012 honor of former Sciences, and consolidating the School careers in the rapidly growing health care
Dominican president, Sister Jean Murray, of Social Work, the School of Information field. Also housed within the facility is the
Borra Center for Teaching and Learn-
seamlessly matches the university’s older Studies and the School of Education ing Excellence, a dedicated space and
buildings and has become a popular
option for students. into a new College of Applied Social a concept for helping faculty succeed as
Sciences. The restructure resulted in teachers and scholars.
a more innovative, collaborative, and
The heart of the building is the
sustainable institution. dramatic, two-story glass Sha er-Silveri
Atrium, which provides a popular
PURCHASE OF gathering spot for students and a site
PRIORY CAMPUSTHE for the student-run Recipe Box Café meal
PARMER HALL—With the 2002 purchase of the seven-acreA SYMBOL OF ACADEMIC program. A wall near the atrium pays tribute
EXCELLENCE to the Dominican sisters and, in the outside
Priory Campus, located just eight blocks courtyard, a statue of Father Samuel
east of the main campus, Dominican add-The 2007 opening of John C. and Mazzuchelli reminds the community of
ed space for academic programs, specialCarolyn J. Parmer Hall, the campus’ the university’s origins as a school o er-
events, and student housing. The facilitynewest academic building, was a ing science education for girls, at a time
housed the Graduate School of Socialreflection of Donna Carroll’s prescient when that was considered controversial.
Work and the Siena Center, a programgrasp of the importance of the sciences
to the university’s future. Seizing on data Parmer Hall is a reflection of
6launched in 2003 to present programs projecting increasing interest in careers Dominican’s academic excellence and
engaging critical issues of church and so- bold strategic planning, and an acknowl-
8ciety, before the programs were moved to edgement of donor confidence in the
the Main Campus. The campus continues based in the sciences and technology, the university’s stability and potential.
university constructed a state-of-the-art
as the site of the Rose K. Goedert Center facility for science-based learning and
for Early Childhood Education. research.

Remarkable for its high-tech, student-

centered, eco-friendly environment,

Parmer Hall is the hallmark of the ambi-

tious and immensely successful Amazing

Possibilities campaign. In addition to

Parmer Hall, the campaign raised more

than $53 million for student scholarships,

academic programming and services,

and campus-wide facility improvements,

including the addition of a much-needed

parking pavilion.

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 15

THE HEART OF U.S. NEWS & WORLD
THE LIBERAL ARTS 11REPORT RANKINGScertifications. This year also marks the
Academic excellence has long been a
SCIENCESAND 35th anniversary of the School of Edu- hallmark of a Dominican education. This
cation, which has consistently redesigned year, in a stunning moment of recogni-
In 1997, incoming freshmen were in- its graduate degree programs to prepare tion, U.S. News & World Report for the
troduced to what is now a distinctively educators to meet the learning styles and first time included Dominican in the top
Dominican experience—the Liberal Arts needs of diverse student populations. 10 of Midwestern regional universities.
and Sciences (LAS) Seminars. The heart The prestigious college report has ranked
of the university’s core curriculum, the Launched in 1930 as an undergradu- Dominican within the top 20 for more
seminars provide undergraduate students ate program in library science, the School than 20 years. In addition, the report rec-
of Information Studies (SOIS) now of- ognized Dominican as the #1 Best Value
9 with a shared learn- fers a breadth of programming reflecting School in the Chicago area, the #1 Top
ing experience in the profession’s emphasis on emerging Performer in Social Mobility in the state of
courses centered on technologies and their impact on society. Illinois, and #11 in the Midwest in the Best
a common theme. The addition in 2009 of the doctoral Teaching category.
The core curriculum program in information studies respond-
has evolved and, this
year, the university ed to a need for advanced professional #10
incorporated the development and reflected the school’s
interdisciplinary maturation. IN THE MIDWEST

Critical Reading, In 2014, the Brennan School of #1

Writing, and Speaking Business earned the prestigious AACSB TOP PERFORMER IN
sequence for first-year students. The international accreditation, an achieve- SOCIAL MOBILITY-ILLINOIS
LAS Seminars continue to o er students
the opportunity to explore with a cohort ment held by only 5 percent of the top #1
of peers some of life’s universal, enduring business schools worldwide. The school
questions. has expanded its global reach by partner- BEST VALUE SCHOOL IN
THE CHICAGO AREA
EXPANSION OF
GRADUATE ing with universities in Europe, Africa, and #11
EDUCATION South America.
BEST UNDERGRADUATE
10Although Dominican o ered several TEACHING-MIDWEST
graduate programs long before its name
change reflected the scope of its academic
o erings, there has been substantive
growth under Donna Carroll’s leadership,
and many significant achievements. More
than 1,000 students currently are
enrolled in the university’s 18 graduate
degree programs and the doctoral pro-
gram in information studies.
This year marks the 20th anniversary
of the School of Social Work, a program
incorporating a family-centered, globally
focused curriculum and numerous dual
degree options, specializations, and

16 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

YEARS

STUDENT SUCCESS with health and social services within TO
IN 21ST CENTURYTHE
COMMITMENTtheir own communities. First-generation and economically disad-
While higher education evolves and adapts SOCIAL MOBILITYTo streamline and simplify enrollmentvantaged students have been an integral
with a changing world, core components of part of the Dominican fabric since its
the Dominican experience are unwavering, services, the university last year creat- founding in 1901. This year, nearly half of
including rigorous academics, personalized ed Stars Connect, a one-stop shop for our incoming students were the first in
attention, and a commitment to meeting essential services such as financial aid, their family to attend college, and 99 per-
students’ needs—inside and outside the student accounts, and student registra- cent received some form of financial aid.
tion and records.
12classroom. Still, many students face inforced its
barriers that can derail their e orts to be As Dominican’s student demographics
successful.
Dominican’s commitment to elimi- 13have changed, the university has re-
nating barriers to student success was Dominican’s comprehensive e orts to
a rmed in 2018 with a major reorgani-
zation to create the Division of Student commitment help low-income students stay in school
Success and Engagement. The division
focuses on helping students assess their to fostering and graduate on time has garnered
strengths and interests, understand
an inclusive national recognition. The prestigious 2021
their unique learning needs, and explore
majors that are in step with their indi- campus en- U.S. News & World Report ranked the
vidual skill sets. The division intention-
ally integrates a number of programs vironment university first in Illinois for social mobility,
designed to support student success,
including academic advising, career by providing a measure of how well schools graduate
development, co-curricular activities,
tutoring, and disability support services. programs specif- students receiving federal Pell Grants
And, to help students facing challenges
at home, Dominican became the first ically designed for compared to more advantaged students.
university in the country to incorporate
NowPow, a personalized referral system traditionally underrepresented students.
that provides students and their families
Ministry en lo Cotidiano and the

Beloved Community o er paid, faith-based LEARNING

14COMMONSleadership and service opportunities forInnovation, collaboration, student sup-
port, and learning are the foundations of
Latinx and African American students, Dominican’s new Learning Commons,
respectively. The Center for Cultural opened in 2020 within the Rebecca
Liberation, a student-led initiative, Crown Library. The Learning Commons
supports and celebrates students of represents best practices in higher
color. These and other programs focus on education by serving as a central, easily
ensuring that Dominican’s most vulnerable
students persist, graduate on time and
with purpose.
Dominican’s dedication to providing accessible hub for a number of depart-

comprehensive support services for all ments and resources designed to enhance

students was reflected in impressive student learning and engagement with

gains in the 2019 National Survey of peers. Housing the WeatherTech Inno-

Student Engagement. In particular, vation Lab and featuring an enclosed

students noted the university’s e orts to glass atrium, the Learning Commons

support their academic success, social truly serves as a robust, bustling, one-

involvement, and overall well-being. stop shop for Dominican students.

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 17

MOMENTS

ble hiring practices, o ered professional

development opportunities and cultural

competency training for faculty and sta ,

and helped bring to campus influential

COMMITMENT TO thought leaders including Ta-Nehesi
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, Coates and Michael Eric Dyson.

In 2020, Dominican was selected by

INCLUSIONAND the Association of American Colleges and for students majoring in STEM fields. Title
Universities to develop a Truth, Racial V grant funding is increasing Latinx stu-
Social justice advocacy, as an expression dent success, strengthening advising and
of mission, has been part of Dominican’s Healing, and Transformation (THRT) teacher education, and expanding career
DNA since the university’s founding in Campus Center as part of a national services. The funding also is enhancing
1901. Inspired by the Dominican Sisters program addressing the historic and con- the university’s identity as an HSI by
of Sinsinawa, many of whom were temporary e ects of racism. The goal of building cultural awareness and inclusivi-
involved in the Civil Rights Movement the TRHT is to empower faculty, sta , and ty throughout campus.
students to eliminate racial injustice—on
15and other progressive causes, students campus and in our community. Dominican’s TRIO Student Support
have marched, protested, and advocated Services grant provides funding to assist
for the rights and dignity of historically There still is much work to be done, students with fulfilling basic college
marginalized individuals. Donna Carroll and Dominican is committed to continu- requirements, and persisting and gradu-
has supported and joined them at critical ing its e orts to create a more just and ating on time.
junctures, including, most recently, a stu- humane society.

dent-led Walk for Solidarity in support

of Black Lives Matter.

ACHIEVING HSIThroughout her tenure, Carroll has
DESIGNATIONbeen an outspoken advocate for the

rights of undocumented students and
immigration reform. Her activism has gar-
nered widespread praise and recognition,
including honors from the Archdiocese of
Chicago and Faith in Public Life, a
national organization of faith leaders unit-

16ed for justice and equality. Her leadership
In 2011, the U.S. Department of Education
o cially designated Dominican as a His-
panic-Serving Institution (HSI), with
more than 25 percent of our student body
self-identifying as Latinx. This fall, Latinx
students represented 70 percent of the
university’s incoming class. Dominican is
of Dominican’s Sanctuary Campus Cov- committed to expanding and enhancing
enant inspired the Village of River Forest educational opportunities for our Latinx
to approve a Welcoming Resolution and
students in culturally responsive ways.
led to the current partnership between
Dominican’s HSI status has made
the university and the village on initiatives the university eligible for transformative
designed to combat racism and systemic federal funding. To date, the university
injustices.
has received more than $20 million in
Dominican’s commitment to equality
federal grants to support Latinx and
was formalized in 2015 with the appoint-
low-income students. National Science
ment of the university’s first chief diversity Foundation funding supports our e orts
o cer and the creation of an O ce of
to increase retention and graduation rates
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI).

The ODEI has established more equita-

18 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

YEARS

In 2018, Dominican hosted “El Futuro a model for a Welcoming Resolution CELEBRATING
Is Here,” a national conference attract-
ing representatives from 50 Catholic 19CATHOLIC IDENTITYpassed by the Village of River Forest. The
universities and focusing on ways of
creating campus ministries that embrace university renewed and expanded the
the cultural heritage of Latinx students. Covenant in 2020 as a stronger anti-
Dominican since has received significant racism statement, reflecting a greater
foundation funding to establish a national understanding of systemic injustice and
network to advance initiatives resulting a robust commitment to collective action.
from the conference. The Covenant pledges the university to
combat racism in the surrounding com-
munity and on campus.
From orientation to commencement,
Dominican students are imbued with the
spirit of caritas et veritas. This motto of
love and truth is reinforced throughout
the year through special events—and
special places.

In 2010, the entire campus communi-

ty gathered for the first Caritas Veritas

Symposium, a day-long exploration of

SANCTUARY CAMPUS DONNA CARROLL the university’s motto. The annual event
COVENANT ALPAPYOPINRTEESDIDFEINRTSTHeeding the concern of the Dominican provides a pause in the academic calendar
to focus on the university’s mission and
community for a safe, inclusive, and Catholic identity through presentations by
equitable campus, Dominican adopted in students, faculty, sta , and board members.
2016 a Sanctuary Campus Covenant,
stepping forward as a national leader in Rosary Chapel, the spiritual heart
supporting and protecting undocument- of campus, was renovated in 2003 to
provide a more welcoming space for
17 18edstudents.TheCovenantwasusedas students of all cultures and faith tradi-
When Donna Carroll was named tions. Reflecting the enduring importance
Dominican’s 10th president in 1994— of mission inherent in the university’s
the university’s first lay president and operations, in 2006, Diane Kennedy OP
one of the youngest college presidents
in the country—it was a turning point for was appointed as the first vice pres-
the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, for the ident of mission and ministry. Also in
university community, and for the newly 2006, Dominican established the Mary

appointed president. She was the search Nona McGreal, OP Center for Domini-
can Historical Studies, the only center in
committee’s first—and only—choice,
the country dedicated
selected as a visionary, strategic leader

capable of boosting Rosary’s external

profile, while embracing its commitment

to its Catholic heritage and mission.

to the history of the

Dominican order in the

United States.

Generations of

students, faculty, sta ,

and alumni have taken

advantage of the

university’s sanctuary

spaces for contem-

plation, including

the peaceful Priory

Campus gardens; the

Grotto, which was

restored in 2014;

and the Labyrinth,

an ancient symbol

and spiritual tool for meditation that was

installed near the Grotto and dedicated

in 2015.

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 19

MOMENTS

CONTRIBUTIONS on interfaith leadership. Donna Students have the op-
TO CATHOLIC Carroll has served on the board of portunity to sharpen their
the IFYC since 2014. The IFYC has acting skills in large-scale
EDUCATIONConsidered by her peers as a role musicals, classic works and
recognized Dominican as a national provocative contemporary plays.
model for her lay leadership of a leader for interfaith excellence in
Catholic university, Donna Carroll higher education. The Annual Trustee Benefit
has mentored new presidents Concert, which for many years
AND featured afternoon recitals by
STARS ON OFFand shared her insights on vocation THE nationally acclaimed opera stars, was
FIELDand mission with colleagues across the restructured as a highly anticipated
In 2000, the university’s athletic program gala featuring a cocktail reception,
country. She has served on the boards of made the bold decision to join the NCAA dinner, and auction which has raised
Division III. The move has enhanced the millions of dollars for student scholar-
20the Association of Catholic Colleges and university’s reputation, while attracting ships. The repertoire also has expanded to
Universities (ACCU), Fordham Univer- academically talented students. To- include acclaimed Broadway and popular
sity, the Catholic Theological Union, day, more than 240 student-athletes performers such as Audra McDonald,
and the University of Scranton, as well compete on 14 varsity teams each year. Matthew Morrison, and Ben Vereen.
as the Archdiocese of Chicago School During the evening, the Bravo Award is
Board, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and presented to an individual or organization
22Fenwick High School. Her commitment that has made a significant contribution
to mission has been recognized with nu- The program has had significant suc- to the Chicago arts community. This year,
merous awards, including the inaugural cess, with both the men’s soccer and
Cornerstone Award from the Dominican volleyball teams competing in Final Four Donna Carroll was surprised with the
Sisters of Sinsinawa and the Veritas tournaments. But our student-athletes are
Award from the Dominican Friars. Later equally successful in the classroom. In Bravo Award in recognition of her
this year, the ACCU will honor Carroll Fall 2020, they posted a combined 3.39 support of the arts at Dominican.
with its prestigious Hesburgh Award for GPA—their 29th consecutive semester
her outstanding contributions to Catholic above a 3.0. This year, Donna Carroll
higher education. will be inducted into the Athletics Hall of
Fame for her enthusiastic support of the

program.

YOUITNHCTCAEMORFRPAUEISMTHODEL ON WITH SHOWIn partnership with the Interfaith Youth THE

Core (IFYC), a national organization The opening of the Dominican Univer-
working to bridge di erences between
sity Performing Arts Center (DUPAC)
23people of di erent faiths and religious in 1999 ushered in an exciting new era of
live performances and presentations on
traditions, Dominican in 2010 became campus. Throughout the year, a diverse
one of the first model campuses in the range of nationally renowned performers
such as Emmylou Harris, Judy Col-
21country to initiate interfaith cooperation lins and Sweet Honey in the Rock, and
speakers including Sister Helen Prejean,
David Brooks and U.S. Poet Laureate Joy
Harjo have drawn thousands of patrons

and dialogue. Since then, the university from the local community and Chicago

has expanded interfaith programs, in- metropolitan area.

fused interfaith awareness throughout the The theatre arts program, which had lan-

curriculum, added an interfaith studies guished for many years, was reborn in 2003

minor, and created an open online course as a major with a reinvigorated curriculum.

20 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

COMCMAIMTPMUESNT COTHMEMREINTCUAEML ENTTOThis Herculean e ort instilled confidence OF
SUSTAINABILITYDominican’s commitment to sustain-and ensured the continuity of operations.
In fact, the fall 2020 semester started Since 1994, Donna Carroll has presided
ability and energy e ciency are evidentwith strong enrollment and one of the over more than 75 commencement cer-
throughout campus. Parmer Hall, builthighest retention rates in Dominican’s emonies—a tradition she relishes as the
according to LEED specifications,history. culmination of the hard work of students
and the support of their families. Perhaps
ONE HUNDRED YEARSincorporates energy e cient sensors thatOF no other event so epitomizes Carroll’s
remarkably close relationship with stu-
24 RESILIENC2E 7adjustforheating, cooling, and lighting,Dominican’s centennial anniversary in dents, most of whom she recognizes as
while a nearby bioswale provides natural2001 was a tribute to the university’s vi- they cross the stage. The traditional
drainage and filtration of runo water.tality and a rededication to the Sinsinawa Candle and Rose ceremony, held for
Permeable pavers, installed in the westDominican Sisters’ focus on compassion- almost 100 years, is an especially mean-
parking lot, have served as a model forate service and the creation of a more just ingful event for graduating seniors—and
other campuses, and a 100-year-oldand humane world. Just two days after for Carroll. This year, Carroll will “cross
cistern under the Magnusthe horrific 9/11 attacks, President Donna the stage” herself, as she receives an
Arts Center collects andCarroll addressed the Dominican com- honorary degree from Edgewood
recycles millions of gallons College, Dominican’s sister institution.
26of rainwatereachyear.
These initiatives support the munity during Academic Convocation,

Dominican Sisters’ long-held

priority on caring for Earth.

ADDRESSING

25COVID-19Faced with the unprecedented challenges
of the COVID-19 pandemic, Domini-
can quickly pivoted during the spring
2020 semester, moving more than 800
classes online, providing students with
the technological supports necessary for
studying at home, and arranging for sta
to work remotely. The university’s senior
leadership implemented stringent safety
protocols designed to allow the campus
to reopen, with modifications, in the fall.

framing the university’s milestone as “all

about hope—anchored in tradition and
nurtured by possibility.” Her message
served as a poignant reminder of the
university’s resilience in the face of chal-
lenges throughout its 100-year history.

To mark her retirement, the Class of 1968
presented President Carroll with a bronze
compass, engraved with “To help you find your
Veritas. Explore new paths with the Caritas of
‘68 in your pocket.”

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 21

Donna Carroll’s Cardinal Blaise Cupich first chair of our advisory board, giving four
Legacy Cardinal, Archdiocese of Chicago years of distinguished service.
Reaches
Far Beyond “The Dominican community Donna’s leadership and support to Pas-
Campus has grown and prospered toral Migratoria, our immigrant-led ministry
over the past 27 years due to Donna for service, justice and accompaniment in
While Donna Carroll has had an Carroll’s extraordinary talents parish communities, has borne much fruit.
extraordinary impact on and dedication. She has also used Congratulations, Donna, on your retirement
Dominican University, she also those admirable qualities to enrich and the tremendous fruits of your labor!
has made her mark on the the Archdiocese of Chicago as a
national, regional, local and member of the executive committee Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, CM
professional levels. of our School Board and as a board President, Association of Catholic Colleges
member of Cristo Rey Jesuit High and Universities; chancellor,
Nationally recognized for her School. DePaul University
commitment to undocumented
students, Carroll also has made She has been steadfast in her I think of four major ways Donna's legacy
significant contributions to her advocacy of undocumented will linger long into the future. First and
profession through her service on students, giving hope to countless obviously, Dominican's programs and repu-
higher education associations, young people seeking a better future. tation were strengthened by her deft leader-
her mentorship of emerging May she be blessed in knowing that ship. She also became a national leader in
college presidents and her her untiring efforts will continue to supporting DACA and first-generation stu-
inspiring speeches on mission bear good fruit for many dents and challenged many others to follow.
and vocation during the Council generations." As laity progressively take the presidency of
of Independent Colleges’ Catholic universities, Donna led the way in
semiannual President Institutes. Elena Segura showing how laity— and especially lay women
Director of Immigrant Affairs and Immigrant in the Church—can powerfully lead an insti-
A key player in her community, Education, Archdiocese of Chicago tution's Catholic mission and culture. In that
Carroll was recognized by the "I call Donna Carroll “Our Lady of Guada- aspect, Donna created the path many others
Wednesday Journal as 2017 River lupe of DREAMers.” She was instrumental now walk. Finally, Donna befriended a gener-
Forest Villager of the Year. in pioneering systemic change in Catholic ation of new leaders, supporting them in their
universities throughout the country to open most challenging moments as they turned
Several of Carroll’s colleagues their doors to undocumented students. to her for advice. Those stories will never be
share reflections on her legacy. Donna has been a trusted and inspirational told, but many universities are better today
colleague, friend and mentor. She believed because Donna mentored their presidents.
in our mission to form immigrant leaders
who are protagonists of their development, For myself, Donna has been a mentor,
as inspired by Pope Francis. She was the a conspirator, and a friend I admire very
much. I am so blessed that we had the
chance to work together these years.

Andrea Lee, IHM
President, Alverno College;
board chair, ACCU

It is a staggering understatement to note
that Donna Carroll has been a successful
president. Not only has she led Dominican
University to its present position of stature
and style among Catholic institutions, but
she has done so over a quarter century of
dramatic, and not always friendly, change
in higher education. Amid such a swirling

22 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

sea of change, controversy and challenge, Arvid Johnson Mary Jo Schuler
Donna’s contributions to present and President, University of St. Francis; Community leader; former board
future Catholic higher education include former dean, Brennan School of Business member, Oak Park-River Forest
intelligence, wisdom, humor, creativity and
perseverance. Donna Carroll is, in my opin- Donna is a visionary, big-picture leader “Community Foundation
ion, among the strongest and most accom- who calls out the best in those around her Donna’s journey and
plished leaders in Catholic higher education. to achieve what, otherwise, might be viewed leadership have reached
as the “impossible.” She has served as a role and served so many; both on and
Eboo Patel model for the lay stewardship of a Catholic o -campus! In addition to leading
Founder and President, university and is considered the “Dean of Dominican University, Donna graciously
Higher Education” amongst the other, short- shared her superpowers with the
“Interfaith Youth Core er-serving presidents in the Archdiocese Oak Park-River Forest Community
Over the last ten years, of Chicago. To Catholic higher education, Foundation and Women Leaders
dozens of college cam- as a whole, she has called us to continue to in Philanthropy, entities focused
puses have done interfaith assess- acknowledge and serve the most vulnera- on strengthening the community
ments, hundreds of institutions have ble in our midst, especially those who are through strategic, collective action
launched interfaith courses and undocumented. She has made Herculean and investment. Donna's passion and
thousands of students have learned progress in supporting their progress and guidance will be dearly missed, however,
about interfaith leadership online. completion. her multi-decade engagement has
Behind this remarkable growth in the firmly rooted Dominican into the service
engagement of religious diversity in Donald E. Graham fabric of Oak Park and River Forest.
higher education is the influence of Co-founder, TheDream.Us
Donna Carroll. Dominican Univer- On behalf of our colleagues and with
sity, under Donna’s leadership, was When a team of us started TheDream.Us in infinite gratitude, thank you for enriching
amongst the first campuses to do 2013, we wanted to find relatively low-cost our visions of a better, more equitable
an interfaith assessment, and Donna colleges that provided a good education for future—your inner light and contribu-
advocated for interfaith education to “The Dreamers,” the children of undocument- tions will continue to bolster our platform
be integrated into the formal curric- ed immigrants. Dominican University turned of progress and impact!
ulum, in both traditional and innova- out to be one of our most important college
tive ways. She has been a mentor, a partners thanks to Donna Carroll’s personal the trajectory of all of higher education in
friend, a trailblazer and a guide. commitment to these students. She understood America. Her service on CIC’s Board of Di-
We at IFYC are forever what help they needed, and understood as well rectors demonstrated how much her focus,
grateful. what outstanding students they might be. Her creativity, and energy could influence liter-
energy and optimism drove their success. ally hundreds of colleges and universities.
Since the spring of 2015, 119 Dream.Us Her insights were key to the founding and
scholars have enrolled at Dominican, 90% development of CIC’s Network for Vocation
have persisted and 23 have graduated. in Undergraduate Education. And perhaps
Scores more will do so. Each knows that her greatest legacy—the preparation of the
Dominican and President Carroll are their next generation of academic leaders for
friends. more advanced positions, as a long-serving

Donna Carroll has been one of the out-
standing university presidents of her gener-
ation. We at TheDream.US cannot thank her
enough.

Richard Ekman
President, Council of Independent Colleges

Beyond her astounding accomplishments
as president of Dominican, Donna Carroll
has played an outsized role in shaping

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 23

faculty member and mentor in the Presi- Dominican is a jewel, but Donna always
dential Vocation and Institutional Mission let the University shine without the pretense
program—will extend for decades into the of many other university presidents of her
future through the careers of those who were stature. Though she is retiring as presi-
fortunate enough to have worked with her. dent, her vision will serve the institution for
decades to come—and our friendship will be
enduring.

David Tretter Welz Kauffman Cathy Adduci
Retired Former President and CEO,
President, Federation of Independent Illinois President, Village of River Forest
Colleges and Universities “Ravinia Festival
Captivating. Energetic. Throughout all of Donna’s years as pres-
A heartfelt appreciation for the incredible Brilliant. Humble. Sincere. All ident, Dominican University has been a
work, leadership and commitment that of these and so many more describe positive and important member of the River
Donna Carroll brought first to Rosary Col- Donna Carroll, a person I'm proud to Forest community. Recently, Dominican’s
lege, which she transformed into Dominican count as a friend and a reliable and value to River Forest has been on display
University. Her inclusive and collegial spirit compassionate advisor. Someone through the Village and University partner-
as a groundbreaking college president who ignited a passion for education, ship to fight racial and social injustice, using
benefited not only the Dominican Univer- a passion for the arts in so many the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transforma-
sity community, but her service on multiple young people. A brilliant fundraiser tion framework. In 2017, the Village passed a
boards and organizations, her guidance and and advocate. A person who lights up Welcoming Resolution with the support and
mentorship of newer college presidents, a room with such ease and sense of encouragement of Donna and members of
and her distinguished service as chair of humor and fun. Congratulations dear the University, with the example of the Uni-
the Federation improved all of Illinois higher Donna on your decades of service versity’s Sanctuary Campus Covenant. Don-
education. She is a tireless and fearless to Dominican and to na’s leadership has led to further strength-
advocate for students, many first-genera- Chicagoland. ening Dominican as an institution that the
tion and minority, whose lives were forever Village is proud to host, and we continue
changed at Dominican University. On behalf on every Dominican student and graduate, to be grateful to have such an exceptional
of the 60 colleges and universities within and that is a very good thing. Congratula- resource in River Forest.
the Federation, we are grateful and indebted tions, Donna, and thank you.
to the great contributions of Dr. Carroll and John Rowe
wish her the best in her future endeavors. David Snyder
President and CEO, Retired CEO, Exelon; co-founder, with
Mary Dempsey The Economic Club of Chicago his wife Jeanne, of Rowe-Clark Math and
Science Academy
President, DePaul College Prep; former When I think of Donna, I think of three
commissioner, Chicago Public Library characteristics of a great leader and an Jeanne and I have had the pleasure of
exceptional person: humility, commitment working with Donna Carroll for most of the
Donna Carroll's 27-year tenure as president and vision. Donna approached her role at last two decades. Because she has made
of Dominican University has been transfor- Dominican as a servant to University—with Dominican such a welcoming place for
mative. Every step of Dominican's growth in its mission and its students always central to first-generation college students of color,
academic rigor, enrollment and campus life everything she did. I am proud to consider we feel we had a partnership between
has been guided by her steady hand and her myself a friend of one of the nation’s leading Dominican and the Chicago charter schools
commitment to independent thought and advocates for first-generation students, we founded. We have enjoyed working with
critical reflection. including her advocacy for those who are her and were pleased to help sponsor a
undocumented. professor in the business school [the Rowe
In my career, I have had many opportu- Distinguished Professorship]. She has been
nities to hire Dominican graduates and to a hard-working, practical leader and a joy
send young people to obtain their degrees to work with. We will miss her and hope she
at Dominican. Without question, a Domin- stays near enough to stay a friend.
ican graduate is prepared for professional
success. However, Dominican's students
also embody Donna's passion for intellectual
curiosity, empathy, humor and service to
others. Donna Carroll's personal stamp is

24 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

Dominican University
Announces the creation of the

Donna M. Carroll Endowed Scholarship

TO RECOGNIZE HER TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP over the course
of her 27-year presidency, Dominican University has established the
Donna M. Carroll Endowed Scholars Program with the creation of a
$1M scholarship fund.

˜ is endowment will provide scholarship support in recognition of
entrepreneurial skills, civic engagement and leadership. Carroll Scholars
will be selected based upon need, outstanding ability and community
involvement.

Dominican University is committed to advancing inclusive excellence.
It requires addressing signiÿcant, systemic barriers to student success—
academic, racial, and, inevitably, economic. ˜ e student with the greatest
need for academic support is often the student with the fewest ÿnancial
resources, talent notwithstanding. ˜ e intent of the Carroll Scholars
Program is to enhance the hallmark Dominican experience by rewarding
special civic engagement and entrepreneurial spirit. ˜ ese experiences
will deepen the Scholars connections to the world in which they live and
work, and better prepare them to live the Dominican mission.

Carroll Scholars will be among Dominican’s most creative, talented,
and involved students—a ÿtting tribute to a President whose passionate
vision of Dominican resonates with entrepreneurship and whose tireless
commitment brought Dominican to new institutional and reputational
stature.

To make a contribution to the Donna Carroll Endowed Scholarship or
for more information, visit dom.edu/give or contact Sara Acosta, Vice
President of University Advancement, at 708.524.6288.

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 25

In addition to her strong
leadership skills, Donna has
a playful side, as evidenced

by the following photos
(clockwise): breaking ground

for Parmer Hall; celebrat-
ing Founder’s Day in garb
meticulously curated by the
Dominican Sisters; donning
just one of the many hats she
has worn over the years;
participating in the dunk
contest during Midnight
Madness; seeing eye-to-eye
with a friend at Brook eld
Zoo; being serenaded by the
great Betty Buckley, a fellow

New Yorker.

Director of Athletics Erick Baumann reflects
on long-term partnership with Donna Carroll

In addition to succeeding on the courts “Academic success is something everyone
and fields, Stars student-athletes are also here at Dominican takes great pride in—first
breaking records in the classroom. Dominican and foremost our student-athletes. The 3.55
student-athletes earned a 3.55 cumulative combined GPA they achieved, which is an all-
GPA in the spring 2020 semester, which was time high, as Donna is winding down her time
dramatically upended by the COVID-19 pan- as our president, is something that she can
demic. The combined mark was the highest take great pride in as well,” Baumann said.
ever recorded.
Baumann believes Carroll’s leadership has
“We fully support the student-athlete impacted all areas of the university, as well
experience, which stresses that our athletes as athletics. He credits her for supporting the
are students first,” Baumann said. “Their athletic program’s expansion.

In the spring of 1995, Erick Baumann Men’s volleyball players show off their 2015 NACC Tournament Championship trophy—
returned to his alma mater as part-time head as well as several individual trophies.
men’s soccer coach and assistant director of
athletics. A 1993 graduate of Rosary College, academic success shows we are living the “Donna has grown the campus in so many
Baumann quickly formed a solid working Division III philosophy here at Dominican. With ways with her strategic thinking and planning.
relationship with Donna Carroll, the institu- that said, there’s a reason we turn on the One example would be with the creation
tion’s recently appointed president of the scoreboards and keep score in college athlet- of the Division of Student Success and
newly renamed Dominican University. Their ics—winning matters, and we have improved Engagement. Creating that division, with all
partnership was strengthened in 2006 when that record in so many of our programs. I’m of the great work they do, has put tremendous
Baumann became the university’s proud to say our department truly supports support systems in place to help our students
what a student-athlete should be all about and do as well as they do at Dominican,” he said.
director of athletics. I know Donna does as well.”
In their 25-plus years working together, (continues on following page)
Baumann and Carroll have contributed to the
university’s robust growth and immense suc-
cess, athletically and academically. The uni-
versity has more than doubled the number
of sports it sponsors, updated and improved
many of the facilities it uses, and significantly
expanded the department’s staff.
Dominican’s athletic teams have also
experienced impressive competitive success,
continually reaching new heights. Multiple
men’s and women’s teams have produced
historic seasons and recorded unrivaled win
totals. All of this is highlighted by many NCAA
national tournament appearances, includ-
ing Final Four runs by men’s soccer and
men’s volleyball.

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 27

DU STARS END SEASON
WITH AMAZING SUCCESS
DESPITE COVID-19

Dominican’s continued growth in aca- Dominican athletes and sta made the most of challenging circumstances
demic offerings and student services has not this spring as all teams were juggling practices and competition, following the
only bolstered the university’s overall health Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference’s halt to the fall season. Even so, the ath-
and enrollment, it also has helped further letics program had a stellar season.
stimulate the athletics department’s recruit-
ment efforts. The men’s volleyball team earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III
tournament, after capturing its conference tournament championship. The team
Baumann also believes the university’s advanced to the Final Four for the second time in three years but fell during the na-
tional semifinal. With a 17-2 overall record, the 2021 season was the Stars’ seventh
commitment to equity, diversity and straight winning season.
inclusion plays a role in strengthening the
entire campus, including athletics. The women’s volleyball team capped o a memorable 13-3 season by captur-
ing the NACC South Division Tournament Championship, an accomplishment not
“We have an extremely diverse population matched since the 2015 season.
of student-athletes and it is something that
we take great pride in,” he said. “Donna’s With an 8-1-1 overall record, the men’s soccer team enjoyed another dominant
leadership in diversity and inclusion makes an season, finishing at the top of the conference and winning the conference tour-
impact around campus in so many different nament. The win marked Dominican’s fourth straight NACC tournament title and
divisions and departments.” twelfth title in the last 15 years.

While Baumann’s work with Carroll The women’s soccer team swept through its conference with an undefeated
dates back decades, their relationship truly record of 9-0, 6-0 in the NACC, and advanced to the South Division Conference
blossomed in 2013, when he began directly Championship, where a victory sealed the program’s third conference tournament
sharing progress updates with her. Doing so championship in the last four seasons.
helped them fulfill one of the guiding princi-
ples of NCAA Division III schools: establishing “A tremendous amount of planning went into the entire year, but especially this
and building a direct relationship between the semester,” said Erick Baumann, director of athletics and head men’s soccer coach.
president’s office and the director of athletics. “Our focus was on keeping our student-athletes healthy and giving them the best
He credits the trust and respect that the two experience possible. They did a great job during an extraordinary year.”
have for each other for advancing the univer-
sity’s athletic program. He states that he has Women’s soccer: The 2020-21 women’s soccer team racked up an unblemished record before
always appreciated her advice and feedback. winning the NACC South Division Tournament Championship.

Baumann feels fortunate to have con-
structed such a positive partnership with Car-
roll throughout their shared quarter century at
the university.

“When you can call your president a
mentor, a fantastic leader, a great listener,
an outstanding communicator, and someone
who has made such an impact on your life,
you know you’re in a great place. She’ll leave
behind a legacy that she can be very proud
of —so proudly Dominican.”

28 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

faculty focus

Dominican faculty help build Annual conference. She is executive editor of the Nepantleras and Border Crossers” in Children
awareness and boost the reputation annual record of conference proceedings, “Essays & Schools, January 2021. She also co-wrote
of the university. We’re pleased in Medieval Studies,” to be published in 2021. an article titled “School Social Work in Vietnam:
to highlight some of their recent Development and Capacity Building through
accomplishments. For more Brennan School of International Collaboration” in The International
information about faculty and Business Journal for School Social Work, Vol. 5, 2020. She
their achievements, visit presented sessions at several international and
dom.edu/faculty-focus. Loreto Peter Alonzi, national conferences and universities, including
professor of economics; “Clinical Social Work through a Racial Equity
Rosary College of Arts and Sciences Anne Drougas, profes- Lens” for the NASW Virtual Forum and “Los Dere-
sor of finance, depart- chos Humanos y el Acompañamiento Terapéuti-
Christopher Anderson, associate professor ment chair, accounting, co” for Fundación ATALyC in Argentina.
of biological sciences, Tina Taylor-Ritzler, finance and entrepre-
professor of psychology, and Katherine Powers, neurship; and Daniel Condon, professor of eco- Debra Vinci-Minogue, associate professor
STEM learning specialist, presented a session nomics, department chair, economics, business and director of teacher development programs,
at the “Building HSI Learning Resilience in the law and ethics, co-authored the article “When School of Education, graduated from the two-year
Face of Crisis” conference. They also presented The Rising Tide Lifts All Boats Differently: Income Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Program and
a session at the 2020 LSMRCE Conference. To- Distribution Matters” in the Journal of Applied completed a life coach certification program at
gether with Jeanette Mokry, associate professor Business and Economics, volume 23(3), 2021. Coach Training Alliance.
of mathematics, Rahel Bokretsion, lecturer in
chemistry, and Pliny Smith, assistant professor Anjali Chaudhry, professor of management and Borra College of Health Sciences
of biological sciences, they presented a poster department chair, management, marketing and
at the 2020 AAC&U Improving STEM Education international business, presented a session on Sarah Jones, assistant professor in nutrition
Conference. leadership at the Indian Institute of Technology, sciences, co-authored the article “Dietary patterns
New Delhi, India. She also published a book and associations with body mass index in low-in-
Melissa Fernandez review titled “Originals: How Non-Conformists come, ethnic minority youth in the United States
Carr, associate professor Move the World” for the Academy of Management according to baseline data from four randomised
of fashion, wrote a Learning and Education and co-authored the controlled trials” in British Journal of Medicine,
fashion business case for article “Two to Tango? Implications of Alignment published online in September 2020.
Bloomsbury Publishing titled and Misalignment in Leader and Follower Per-
“Amazon's Luxury Ambi- ceptions of LMX” in the Journal of Business and Julia Sonnichsen, clinical assistant professor in
tions: Can Amazon Address Psychology. physician assistant studies, presented a session
its Luxury Credibility Gap?” on "Executing a Virtual Standardized Patient
January 2021. Elizabeth Collier, professor of ethics and Experience" at the Illinois Academy of Physician
Christopher Chair in Business Ethics, contribut- Assistants (IAPA) conference in September. She
William George, emeritus professor of theology, ed an entry on “Migration” in the January 2021 has been accepted into the Doctorate of Medical
published “'Tongues of Fire': Hiroshima as Hell publication T & T Clark Handbook of Christian Science program at the University of Lynchburg.
and a New Pentecost?” in Theological Studies Ethics. Collier is serving as North America Chair
81/3, September 2020. He also presented a of UN PRME. Allyson West, lecturer
paper, "Towards an Ocean Ethics: Understanding in nutrition sciences.
the Human by Turning to the Sea," at the annual College of Applied Social Sciences co-authored the article
meeting of the Society of Christian Ethics. His “Baseline red blood cell
2019 book, Mining Morality: Prospecting for Bill Crowley, professor, School of Information and breast milk DHA
Ethics in a Wounded World, was featured in a Studies, was interviewed about readers advisory levels affect responses
“Discussion with an Author” session during that service and how reading can be encouraged in to standard dose of DHA
meeting. public libraries for the Panorama Project. in lactating women on a
controlled feeding diet” in
Jilana Ordman, adjunct instructor of history, Leticia Villarreal Sosa, Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty
organized the Illinois Medieval Association's 37th professor, School of Acids, January 2021.
Social Work, co-wrote
an article titled “Con- Other Accomplishments
structions of Race and
Equity in a Suburban Claire Noonan, vice president for mission and
School: Teachers, School planning, presented “Keeping Mission Front and
Social Workers, and Center in a Virtual Environment” at the annual
Other School Staff as meeting of the Association of Catholic Colleges
and Universities.

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 29

class news

You Always Belong to Dominican Some of us visited Sr. several Sharon Oelerich Mitchell, who has
years ago. Cathy reports Sr. Mary lived in New Mexico for 56 years,
Class News items are submitted by alumnae/i and Eileen Scully ’49 participated in a has been the longest volunteer at
do not represent positions, policies, or opinions of virtual chat with those who knew the hospital for 47 of its 107 years,
Dominican University. Items have been edited for her when she worked at Blind doing everything, including being
length and content. Class News published in this issue Service Association. Marie Valleau on the Board. She has broken two
was collected before January 13, 2021; news submitted ’58 and Sr. Mary knew each other hips and a leg, due to vertigo. (It
after that date will appear in the Fall 2021 issue. If you from childhood. Cathy is waiting was good to talk to an old friend
have news or questions, please contact the O ce out the pandemic but keeps busy and fellow French major.)
of Alumnae/i Relations at [email protected] or with book groups, phone con-
(708) 524-6286. For up-to-date information about ferences, relaxes with great CDs Jude O’Malley Ryan and husband
alumnae/i, go to dom.edu/alumni. and medical appointments. Cathy Terry are leaving their house of 38
hopes our classmates are safe. years in Fort Worth, Texas and are
Thank you for sharing your news! downsizing to an apartment- not
I heard from Jean Horrigan- ready for a retirement home yet,
Undergraduate Alumnae/i 1957 Delhey and Mary Whalen, tell- she says. Due to COVID, they had
Class News ing me they are staying home, to miss a family wedding. (I didn’t
Ellen Bendry awaiting the vaccination; Jean is have to make something up after
1951 Class Agent hopeful to come to Chicago for all.)
her annual summer visit.
Dr. Margery Swint Some of you may have noticed Judy Pape Clark: “No news be-
Class Agent the passing of Vivian Miollis I look forward to hearing more cause COVID has me inside with
Hardister and Barbara Alexander news. We will be praying for one my husband who has Alzheimer’s.
May you have a healthy & blessed Mullarkey. “Behold, I have carved another. I am grateful to have him. My
New Year! Dominican Sisters you both on the palm of my hand” daughter lives in South Carolina
provided six freshmen at Rosary Isaiah 49:15. May you rest in 1958 and visited but not as often and
College in 1947 with care and at- peace. without her children and husband.
tention. We were away from home Marilyn Bongiorno Doherty We kept distanced and masked.
and they visited us in our rooms I heard from Audre Coia- Class Agent My three boys live here with nine
and nurtured us during our time Kurowski of her retirement as an children and wives. We feel fortu-
away from families. organist for St. Katharine Drexel Dorothy Bachner Sauer sent that nate that they are very helpful if we
Catholic Church. They rolled out she and husband Jack have lived have a need that I can’t handle. We
We get together by mail and the red carpet for her nine years in Glenview/Lake Blu /Lake have not been to Florida in over a
phone after years of meeting in of service! She and her daughter Forest and now in Naples. She has year...construction in our complex,
person. At 91, we reminisce about moved to Virginia for an assign- two married sons, and two single some health issues, and Covid. I
those years at Rosary. We thank ment with the FAA. Audre was grandsons. (We reconnected at a am hoping to spend time there in
God and you for your dedication moved by the outpouring of cards French event recently, which was 2021. Stay safe!”
to us. We remember Sr. Marie and gifts. Her St. Vincent Con- fun).
Stephen Regis, Sr. Sheila Treston ference hosted a dinner and gave Jerry Kearney Scully: “I married
’27, Sr. Gretchen Hessler, and her a St. Vincent de Paul crucifix Helene Gross Harvey: “My hus- senior year, Charlie Scully. We had
many more. necklace, given to one who has a band, Paul, and I are now living in four children. Charlie was trans-
heart for serving others. Fr. Bob WI near our youngest daughter, ferred to Kansas City, Missouri. We
Sincerely, praised Audre for her “generous Julie. Two of our other children elected to live in Kansas. I began
heart” and I remember those live nearby. Paul has had a few teaching. Since I had been out of
Margery Swint, Margaret qualities when we were attending health issues, but I have none, so school for eleven years, I wasn’t
Stoeckinger, Mary Conrad, Rosary, where she would play the far. We are being very careful.” able to be certified in Kansas; how-
Margaret McGivern Joynt, Lois piano in the Social Hall. Congrat- ever, the Catholic schools weren’t
MacDonald Simms, Margaret ulations Audre and blessings on Mary Roberta Fitch Skach lives in so choosey. I taught 6th grade in
Carteaux Yuska you for all you do for the church! MI and has four married children the Catholic system while working
with families. All were being very on my master’s. I graduated from
I heard from Cathy Klein that Sr. careful, so no holiday together, the University of Kansas with a
Dorothy Gabel, OP passed away. which was strange. She keeps Master’s in Special Education and
busy with Church, Garden Club, began a degree in reading/literacy
lunch and dinner groups, along at the University of Missouri Kan-
with a Euchre group. The church sas City. With my new credentials,
is sanitized, but the rest are not I applied in the public system. I
meeting until the whole country decided on an urban high school
gets vaccinated. (That may take with problems such as poverty,
a while)

30 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

“Donna had a bold vision from the start.”

Carol Anderson Kunze ’68

students lacking basic skills, and
gang violence. I taught reading
and ESL. After many years, I be-
came head of the English depart-
ment. I stayed for 30 years! At 69,
I retired. I found I missed the kids.
After one semester of retirement,
I began substituting. I found this
was what I wanted. When COVID
struck, I had reservations about
being in schools and then our
schools closed. My license was up
for renewal in 2020 and I didn’t
renew. My 51-year career has
ended! I loved my career and have
felt God guided me into teaching.
Charlie and I will celebrate our
63rd anniversary.”

1960 It was like talking to a friend

Jo Scaccia Maday On February 24, the Class of 1968 honored Donna Carroll’s long tenure as president of Dominican
Class Agent University with a virtual celebration featuring toasts and tributes from class members, a Q&A, and the
presentation of meaningful gifts, including a beautiful brass compass engraved with the words, “To
Our class would like to thank help you find your Veritas. Explore new paths with the Caritas of ’68 in your pocket.”
Donna Carroll for her service to
our Alma Mater. Under her lead- “We had a very broad audience, with classmates joining from across the country,” said Carol
ership, Dominican University has Anderson Kunze ’68, a former Dominican trustee and an organizer of the event. “Everyone was
become a premier university in impressed by how candid Donna was in answering our questions—it was like talking to a friend.”
the Midwest. May God shower her
with many blessings in the years The event was part of a bi-monthly series of get-togethers that the Class of 1968 launched after its
to come. highly successful 50th reunion in 2018. Focusing on a di erent theme each session, the series helps
classmates stay connected with one another and with their alma mater.
Our condolences to the mem-
bers of our class who have lost Reflecting on the president’s legacy, Kunze said Carroll was the right leader at the right time for
loved ones during this past year. Dominican. “Donna had a bold vision right from the start,” she said. “And she was sensitive to changes
Because of the pandemic, reunion in the job market, so Dominican was positioned to o er relevant programs in growing fields like the
plans had to be cancelled. Our health sciences and social work. She is leaving big shoes to fill.”
prayer is life will return to nor-
malcy and we will be able to meet The life-long friends, members of what they a ectionately refer to as “The Posse,” ended their
again. poignant celebration with Carroll by making her an honorary member of the Class of ’68.

1962 is based on his book, is available best wishes to my classmates for a there was no point having a place
on YouTube with monthly Zooms. more promising 2021!” we didn’t feel comfortable in.
Mary Beth Vander Vennet Tallon, We thank the Lord for technology In Chicago, things got chaotic.
in this era of COVID, allowing for 1963 Rioting began and continued
Gloria Adams Mills, Carolyn work from home. We pray you all through summer. Much of it hap-
are safe and healthy. For a look Susan Flynn pened within sight of our condo.
Sweeney Judd, Elizabeth inside Robert’s book, visit https:// Class Agent In September, we had a fire in our
robert-hanley.com/book.php” high rise, and fortunately the fire
Freidheim, Kay Pielsticker Judy Jedlicka Koubek writes: “We and police put it out. No damage
Mary Beth Vander Vennet Tallon: spent the first months of 2020 in on our floor. We have seen our
Coleman, Corrine Carnivele “We spent a wonderful Christmas Florida. The weather was lovely daughter who lives in Boston once
Eve with our family gathered and we had a few guests. Then since 2019. That is hard to bear.
Hanley around a fire pit in the yard, the virus struck and we hurried to 2020 and 2021 have found me
Class Agents sharing mulled wine, carols, gifts, Chicago. We didn’t have doctors with a few medical issues. They all
and the feeling of being together in Florida and the general feeling seem manageable. The political
Corrine Carnivele Hanley: “I work despite the challenges. I send my was lackadaisical. In the summer, situation seems on its way.”
with my husband Robert on mar- we sold our Florida condo since
keting his book Do You See What
I See? Discovering the Obvious.
The Spanish and French versions
are on Amazon. His ministry
The Fireside Fellowship, which

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 31

class news “[Donna] has made a difference in so many people’s lives, including
mine, and she has made the university what it is today.”

Kevin Killips ’79

Repaying the debt Helen McCauslin reports: “Even in to the public, I am hoping to par-
isolation, I keep busy with a group ticipate with the musicians on my
When Donna Carroll invited Kevin Killips ’79 to join the board of starting a program to give gradu- birthday. In normal times, I would
trustees in 2004, he was delighted. Appointed chair of the board in ates of Three Rivers High School a be singing with the choir and can-
2013, Killips, who recently retired as chief financial o cer of CIBC scholarship for post- toring. I had hoped to celebrate
US (formerly PrivateBancorp, Inc.), stepped down in 2019 as the secondary education and training my 80th with family and friends
longest-serving chair in Dominican’s history. at a community college, trade with background music provided
school, or university in Michigan. by well-known performers who
“It was a big honor for me,” he said. “I was the first in my family The pandemic has slowed our also turn 80 like Joan Baez, Bob
to go to college, and Rosary set me up for a successful career on fundraising, but we have printed Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel. May-
LaSalle Street. Serving on the board was a way to repay that debt.” materials, a website, and started be by the time of my late husband
meetings with donors via Zoom. John’s 80th in October celebrating
Killips also served as chair of the board’s finance committee It is all challenging but exciting! I will be possible.” Marianne notes
and continues to serve as a member of the executive committee. am reading and have three books “it is hard to know what date each
This year, he has chaired the search committee tasked with finding going at once. Sending wishes for day is. They all blob together.”
a worthy successor to Donna Carroll, a responsibility that he has a healthy year.”
not taken lightly, given his high regard for Carroll. I did not reach two goals. Granted
Kathy Markley Scruggs is “in- I made them up, but still! I wanted
“When Donna came in, she brought tremendous vitality and volved in addressing the reality to walk 2 times each day but only
insight,” he said. “She also had the financial acumen to understand that many in Arlington, VA do not managed 500 walks. But that is
the importance of fundraising. Donna was the energizing factor in have access to reliable internet 300 miles. Not as good as Forrest
three comprehensive campaigns that raised almost $200 million. nor devices. With schools closed, Gump! My other goal was to read
Because of her leadership and vision, we’ve been able to expand I’ve been tutoring a first-grade 100 books, but read only 65. In
our programs and our campus in a significant way.” English learner on my cell phone my defense, I read a lot more
since her household does not have non-fiction—a number of political
Killips and his wife, Cindy Gizzo Killips ’82, who were married internet. We need public broad- books, several on trees, and a cou-
in Rosary Chapel in 1997, are passionate about their alma mater band. I’m attending meetings and ple on DNA. Remember when we
and co-chaired the Annual Trustee Benefit in 2019. He also relishes writing letters with an advocacy feared that books would become
the opportunity to welcome new graduates to the Alumnae/i As- group for municipal broadband. obsolete?
sociation, which he has done during commencement for the past I’ve added that to my participation
seven years. on the Policy Committee of The So, we are using our education,
Alliance for Housing Solutions. We our faith, and staying strong.
“I am very grateful for my relationship with Donna,” he said. “And advocate for a ordable low-in-
I’m grateful for her work at Dominican. She has made a di erence come housing and changes to 1966
in so many people’s lives, including mine, and she has made the local zoning to allow “Missing
university what it is today.” Middle” housing of triplexes and Judy Purvin Scully
quadriplexes.” Kathy has always Class Agent
traveled and reports that she
“keeps making travel plans but Kathy Kahler Matthews repre-
they are wishful thinking.” Kathy sented our class at the Memorial
loved Trevor Noah’s autobiogra- Mass in Rosary Chapel. Her sister,
phy, Born a Crime. Mary Jane “Janey” Kahler Kelly
’73 and Janey’s son, James, were
Marianne Brabec Powers sent remembered as well as Mitzi Bat-
news from California: “I’ve re- tista Witchger’s brother, Joseph
turned from a drive to the bay to Battista, our classmate Dorothy
view the blue sky, sail boats, big “Pat” Wagner and Judy Purvin
waves. Even opened the sunroof. Scully’s parents, Ted and Mary
This is my method to escape ‘stay Purvin. Attendance was limited,
at home’ restrictions. Sundays, I but it was possible to watch via
drive to San Carlos Cathedral for live-streaming.
drive-up communion (with my
arthritic knees, I don’t need to get We’re still in COVID-19 mode,
out of my car). My parish streams with many plans changed, but by
the Saturday Mass with great mu- the time this is published, hopeful-
sic, familiar faces of lectors and ly restrictions will be fewer. We’ve
pastor. Though Mass is not open been blessed with a roof over our
heads and food on our tables as
many struggle and are filled with

32 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

gratitude that our family is safe. Chicago kids quarantined, got there are warnings about a third. ’66 in her prayers” as we weather
The holidays were di erent for all tested, & came!! We got to hug This afternoon I’ll be meeting this pandemic. A friend remarked
of us. our grandkids!! What a blessing!! an American friend. We’ll wear that “We are living a moment in
Come on vaccine so we can visit masks, buy co ee, sit on a bench, history,” saying what I couldn’t
Donna Freehill Land wrote that the rest!” go home to get warm. The vaccine find the words for.
she was really looking forward to gives us hope. Best wishes for
things getting better. They had Jan Ciastko Lane shared her two health in the new year.” Jack and Suzy Wills Kessler
a great Zoom on Thanksgiving children live nearby. On Thanks- sheltered in place at their Wis-
with her siblings, children and giving, they gathered in the yard, Beverly Doherty shared, “This has consin home or at their cabin in
grandchildren. Her daughter Nora with masks, to say hello and see been a di cult year. But we have the Michigan U.P. woods. She
had put together an online place each other’s bodies, if not their been fortunate. We’ve been living reported, “When we were at our
to post memories and greetings faces. It helped that the weather a retired life in Florida. We kept cabin, we saw other living beings,
which was successful! was mild for Minnesota – 45 and up with meetings, took virtual but none of whom were human.
sunny. After, they Zoomed with classes, read books, and visited on At either location there was a fire
Marysue Brown shared: “2020 poems and music from the grand- Zoom. Mornings were spent con- for warmth and memories. One of
is gone! I did not stay up to see it kids, noting she felt fortunate to suming the news. We exercised my memories as a student came
slither away as I am excited about spend time with family and appre- at home, ran, and walked. It was a into view when I read about one of
2021. Last March, I was in Florida, ciated the creativity in a new way quiet time for bird watching and Queen Elizabeth’s practices. The
not realizing the gravity, and flew of gathering. They had a lovely home projects. We made it to and queen eats a banana with knife
home to CA on March 15th to Christmas. Instead of a meal and from Milwaukee and Vero Beach. and fork, cutting o its ends, mak-
lockdown on the 16th. We all know presents, they met at a sledding We were fortunate to be near Matt ing a slit down the peel and slicing
what followed. BORING! Just how hill where the temperature had and Gretchen to visit outdoors. We it into small rounds, which she
many books can you read and soared to 20 degrees. It felt great braved the snow to meet Pete and eats with a fork. At a 1962 meal in
TV shows can you watch? (a lot!) to be in the sunshine and see them Jenny in MN. Now we sequester the dining hall, Sr. Margarita gave
Outside activities were curtailed sliding. in Vero until vaccines. Our family an etiquette lesson on how to eat
because of the smoke. I started has tried to stay safe through bananas. Though the queen does
decorating for Christmas before Terry Wilkinson Pawlik wrote the rising Covid cases. Matt and so, I am sure that no Rosarians
Thanksgiving since I would not be they put o celebrating her hus- Gretchen have been working from have done so since that unforget-
in Chicago for Christmas, and I put band Ray’s birthday with their kids home. Pete and Jenny are doing table lesson. A thought from Emily
up things I had not used for years. until everyone has the vaccine. the same, while Jenny has begun Dickinson that I found reassuring
So pretty! On Thanksgiving, I was They celebrated Thanksgiv- studies toward a change in career. during 2020: ‘Hope’ is the thing
alone with my dog eating a frozen ing, which was also their 52nd Their world (and ours) took a with feathers that perches on the
pizza. My daughter was exposed wedding anniversary, with a small devastating hit when Jenny’s only soul.”
to Covid and had to cancel at the turkey. It was quiet but they were sibling, Melinda, caught the virus.
last minute. She tested negative. I able to Zoom with the 4 kids and She was only 37 with a husband, Not hosting our Purvin/Scully
did get to spend Christmas at her families. She noted they were Dave, and two school-age kids. family, all decorations, including
home and have a wonderful dinner going to stand in line for a vaccine Two weeks from diagnosis, three our Christmas tree, went up the
prepared by her husband who has because they were sick of not be- hospitals, and she was gone. week before Thanksgiving. It gave
been taking culinary classes. I am ing able to hug the grands. Their Family and friends could not be us something special to do. Each
looking forward to seeing my son kids are planning a get together with her. They stood vigil outside ornament is part of our history
and grandson and other family this summer if all goes well. They the hospital. Her mom Cindy sang and the crèches from around the
this summer. Spencer has grown 4 are thinking about St Simons her a lullaby under the hospital world remind us of trips we have
inches and gained 35 lbs. of mus- Island, Georgia. Terry closed with, window. But the family could not taken. The Chicago Tribune had
cle. Will I even recognize him? I “Take good care and as Ray says, gather to comfort each other. a front-page article reporting
also have two adorable red-haired ‘Wash your hands!’’” Pete and Jenny have been helping people were decorating early
step-granddaughters.” Cindy, Dave, Austin and Riley, one because it felt good. We spent
Mary Celine Baier Rutsche and day at a time.” almost every night with a fire in
Suzie Howard Bassi said they her husband Paul live near Zürich. the fireplace, reading or watching
ordered out for Thanksgiving, Since Covid has put most of us Julie Wendt Brundage wrote that TV and enjoying the Christmas
noting it would be just the 2 of in the same place - restricted she was concentrating on being tree. John and I delivered meals
them and their 2 dogs, but she’s and concerned. She limited her grateful for all the past gatherings to our kids for Thanksgiving, but
grateful their 3 kids are employed remarks to Switzerland, writing, with their family. They had to miss only had Thanksgiving dinner
& healthy. Zoom helps, but it’s “Paul and I have been riding our a grandson’s wedding in Wash- with my sister and brother-in-
just not the same. They’re looking bikes and going to our gyms. ington, but made the best of it by law who had been sheltering at
forward to traveling again “to be Since mid-December, only super- celebrating through Zoom. the same level. We appreciated
with families in 3 states and hug markets and drugstores remain being together and got in a great
the grandkids!” She reported, open. Masks are obligatory. The Pat Carey said she was reminded visit. We Zoomed to touch base
“Christmas was MUCH better— second wave has been severe and to include all “the good women of

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 33

class news

with extended family. Our Scully sunscreen) enjoying the ocean. to coast and outside the US, ’68 reflection based on prayer and po-
Family Christmas took place shared the journey wherever we etry. She is working on one based
the Sunday before Christmas in One of the positives of this pan- landed. Finally, in February we on the work of Flannery O’Connor.
our daughter and son-in-law’s demic has been attending Mass zoomed with President Donna
backyard with masks, distanced virtually with options from which Carroll to wish her Caritas and Eileen Gross lives in Ohio. Her in-
seating, a bonfire to ward o the to choose, distance not being a Veritas. Posse ’68 will contin- terests include walking in nature,
chill (the weather was a balmy deterrent: St. Mary in Riverside, ue to produce ’68Stars events playing the trumpet, and making
40°), a tree under which to place Holy Family in Woodru , WI, post-pandemic! Watch our Face- art, some of which ends up in her
presents, and chili and hot choco- Holy Name Cathedral and Old St. book or contact our class agents gardens. She was unable to join us
late to keep us warm. We hugged Pat’s in Chicago. We count on a to receive notifications. And, if for our January Zoom because she
for the first time (masks on, faces 30-minute Mass when Cardinal you miss any ’68 events, check the was packing food for the Ministry
averted, less than 10 seconds—as Cupich is celebrating it because recordings. Stay tuned!” of Ursulines for HIV/AIDS clients.
recommended if hugs were a ne- that’s all ABC Television has allot-
cessity—which they were). It was ted! We do drive-by communion Esther Maresso Langlois is a Peggy May Schrage lives in St.
very special and more treasured after the virtual Mass at St. Mary’s. professional watercolorist and Louis, Missouri, where she taught
because we hadn’t been together Creativity has been the mother of has works in a gallery in Québec. high school math for 30 years. She
since last Christmas. Christmas invention. She is part of the Canadian Team is retired, so was able to manage 8
Eve found us participating in exhibiting in Fabriano, Italy—an trips to San Francisco to help her
another Zoom. Vimla Homan ’13 MCR ’16, Direc- honor because of her Italian son’s family with remote learn-
tor of Alumnae/i Relations at Do- heritage. Esther was president of ing. She made her service trip to
John and I have Zoomed with minican, has been helping us plan the Québec watercolor workshop Reynosa, Mexico. She joined her
a virtual reunion for our 55th. It is for 13 years, as well as president son and 2 grandchildren to help
Linda Miller Drennan, Mitzi unlikely that in-person reunions of a watercolor art show for 11 Homes for the Homeless build
will be possible, but either way, years in Lac Beauport, with up to houses for families in need; she’s
Battista Witchger, Donna Freehill we’ll get together, in whatever 50 artists each year. She has been the house painter extraordinaire.
manner ensures the health and a signature member of La Société
Land, Maureen O’Rourke Cannon safety of everyone. Canadienne de l’Aquarelle-SCA. Gail Rihacek Daniels lives in
and their spouses monthly. It’s (the Canadian watercolor Society) California. She earned an MS from
gotten harder to get together, so 1968 since 2006. Because Parkinson’s UCLA to teach math in California.
this has been a great way to touch disease has slowed her down, She taught and tutored math while
base regularly. We’ve also Zoomed Suzanne Engle, Susan Bakel she has given up doing shows in her children were young. Gail is
with my Book Bags group. I led France and Québec. She is taking now retired and volunteers for the
the discussion for Born a Crime Cohn a course in abstract art since her Segerstrom Center for the Arts in
by Trevor Noah, which provides a Class Agents manual dexterity has begun to Costa Mesa and the Irvine Histori-
great perspective on apartheid in wane. She has learned to go with cal Society.
South Africa. John and I were able Welcome to our new Class Agent, the flow!
to witness our nephew’s wedding Susan Bakel Cohn. Susan has hit Marilyn Dobes Placek and her
on Zoom (We got all dressed up the ground running with Suzanne Edna Del Zoppo-Hancock lives husband escaped the cold climate
and toasted the married couple.) Engle MALS ’76 to connect with on Cape Breton Island, Nova and settled in the Coachella Val-
We should be able to fly to Tucson all of you and work on class activ- Scotia, Canada. She is a weaver, ley, California. She has been living
when they have their resched- ities. Mary Duncan Gemkow has raises vegetables, and runs a there for 20 years, and spending
uled reception next November. resigned as a Class Agent after self-catered guest house, Point the past 10 years quilting as a
We watched our granddaugh- years. Many thanks to Mary! Mary Michaud Beach House, on her hobby and making quilts for vari-
ter’s ring ceremony at Clemson will continue to participate in our property—a stone’s throw from ous charities.
live-streamed and did the same class activities. the Atlantic Ocean. When asked
for her graduation. We’re hopeful on our January Zoom, Edna Sharon Fleege McNamara spent
to attend her sister’s and our Donna Renn sends an update on confirmed that Lewis Hall on the 3 years in Germany while her hus-
great-nephew’s graduations in Rosary68 Posse activities: “The Dominican campus is named for band was in the Army, then they
May, but that remains to be seen. Posse zooms weekly to plot our her mother’s family, who highly settled in Normal, Illinois, for 40+
Other travel plans, including a trip bi-monthly ’68Stars produc- valued education for women. years. They have visited El Sal-
to Israel and vacationing in Hawaii tions. Our first ’68Stars event vador to build houses and taught
were cancelled, but we drove non- featured our girls who joined Sr. Ann Henkel, OP has been a for two years in Namibia. Sharon
stop to Florida which we hadn’t the Peace Corps…what brave Sinsinawa Dominican for over developed a passion for social
done for more than 40 years and women. Next, we heard from our 50 years. She currently lives in justice. To raise awareness, she
don’t plan to do again! Spending Junior-Year-in-Fribourg ad- Mobile, Alabama where, although has facilitated extensive JustFaith
a few months away from Midwest venturers, who loved more than retired from active ministry, she experiences for ten years. She
winter was good for the body and Swiss cheese. We then wondered teaches ukulele and Zentangle has done volunteer work with the
soul. We walked every day and where in the world we are now and classes. She gives mornings of St. Vincent de Paul Society and
sat on the porch or on the beach zoomed to confess. From coast the Furniture Bank, which o ers
(under an umbrella and wearing free furniture to needy families.

34 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

“I thought it was pretty cool that the president of the institution
wanted to be so involved in campus life.”

Tom Dutton ’96, MBA ’98

Sharon and her husband built an about ’68 classmates. If you can, The president as role model
addition to their daughter’s house send her a card and a bit of news
and moved in, where they are about yourself. When Donna Carroll became president of Rosary College in 1994,
enjoying their grandchildren. Tom Dutton ’96, MBA ’98, was immediately struck by her deep
Carol Anderson Kunze lives sense of engagement with students.
Mary Corsiglia Joyce MALIS on the eastern shore of Lake
’92 has lived in New Jersey since Michigan (Michigan side). She “I played on the soccer team, and Donna would come out during
1992. She served as the head and her husband moved from practice to say hello,” said Dutton, human resources director for
hospital librarian for 18 years for Chicago 8 years ago and enjoy the Spectrum Health. “She seemed to really enjoy attending the games
the Morristown Medical Center. small-town vacation area as well and sitting in the stands with students. I thought it was pretty cool
She has been retired for 8 years, as proximity to Chicago. She has
traveling the local area and over- competed in the Chicago to Mack- that the president of the institu-
seas. She misses Broadway, and inac race 25 times! Last year, she tion wanted to be so involved in
New York and Philadelphia mu- and her husband made a voyage campus life.”
seums. (She lives 20 miles from to Antarctica with Lindblad/
New York City.) On our January National Geographic which was Dutton served in a variety of
Zoom, MaryK reminded everyone fantastic. Carol wrote: “I suspect leadership roles on campus, in-
that the Statue of Liberty is in my past months have been like cluding captain of both the soccer
New Jersey! A gardener herself, yours—enjoying friends outdoors, team and the volleyball club. In his
she appreciates the beauty of the ‘attending’ a wedding via YouTube, senior year, he served as president
Garden State. and marking milestones with of the Student Government Asso-
Zoom. As we’ve had to adapt, I’ve ciation and had the opportunity
Mary Eileen O’Keefe Bateman appreciated the creativity of a lo- to know Carroll from a di erent
is living in Chicago after living cal arts organization transitioning perspective.
in other places for 25 years - their programming from indoor to “As president of student government, I had regular meetings
Miami Beach, Manhattan and outdoor concerts with a bring- with Donna,” Dutton said. “She took a real interest in students and
Bedminster. She says it’s good your-own chair socially-distanced focused on our development as leaders. Her leadership style helped
to be home. She is active in her audience, and enjoyed working shape my approach to professional life.”
business of marketing commer- on production of a couple virtual Dutton says his experience at Rosary had a profound impact
cial patents in the US, Australia, concerts, with more to come in on him. So he was delighted when his daughter Katie expressed
South Africa, and Hong Kong. the spring. One positive has been an interest in attending Dominican to study social work—and he
Things have been quiet because of the opportunity to reconnect with immediately reached out to Carroll to see if they could stop by on
the pandemic, but she is eager to classmates as the Class of ’68 has their college visit.
start up again. Mary is busy with pivoted to virtual gatherings. I “When I told my daughter that the president had invited us to
volunteer work. She reports: “I am applaud everyone who has worked lunch, she didn’t believe me,” Dutton said. “She had no idea how wel-
busy with things in my community on our class Zooms and/or attend- coming Donna would be. That made a big impression on her.”
and in my parish. I am cooking for ed them and encourage those who
families in crisis and for people have not to consider doing so. It is
old and alone. On Thanksgiving, I heartwarming to see the smiling
cooked and a friend delivered 13 faces of our classmates. It seems
meals to people within walking we’ve not missed a beat. I want
distance. I am on call to cook. to recognize Donna Carroll, our
I have no particular expertise; president extraordinaire, who will
to my knowledge no one has retire this year. I had the plea-
been poisoned yet! And I have sure of working with Donna as a
been facilitating animal rescue trustee and am most appreciative
and foster homes when owners’ of her strong leadership which is
illness, death, or extended stays in reflected in today’s vibrant uni-
care facilities happen. I am busy, versity. To Donna, I send heartfelt
healthy, and grateful that I and my thanks and best wishes.”
family are healthy.”
Stay safe, Phenomenal Women!
Patty Diedrich looks forward to Contact your Class Agents with
our next in-person event. She en- news: Susan Bakel Cohn,
joyed her garden during the mild [email protected], or
weather at the end of 2020. Her Suzanne Engle MALS ’76,
gardener planted tulip bulbs that [email protected]. Join
she looks forward to blooming the fun on our private Facebook
in the spring. Patty loves hearing page “Rosary College Class of 1968”.

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 35

class news

1969 ’49, and Donna Carroll, and the The Dominican Legacy
announcement of the 2021 retire-
Susan Kreuz McCoyd ment of President Donna Carroll, Calvin ’01 and Vanessa ’03 Jackson regularly come back to
Class Agent classmates had comments: campus to attend alumnae/i events and play basketball in the
gym, and Vanessa chairs the Alumnae/i Leadership Council. Both
Not surprisingly, this edition does Lana Placek Cappitelli: “…we were say that their ongoing engagement with the university stems from
not include any exotic or even so blessed having these strong their close connection with Donna Carroll.
ordinary travel tales. Most of our yet gentle women leading Rosary/
lives have been on pause since Dominican. Thank God for these “To us, Donna is Dominican,” said Calvin. “And I just hope that
March of 2020, masked, hands remarkable women.” whoever comes after her follows her lead in understanding how to
sanitized, locked down, waiting for make a student feel recognized, important, and necessary.”
the Covid-19 vaccination. Judy Dodane O’Dwyer: “Donna’s
leadership and service have made Calvin, founder and president of the LemonAd Stand creative
Some may not be retired and are it possible for our alma mater to agency, got to know Carroll through his work as an undergraduate
working in person or virtually or maintain the high standards that resident advisor. For Vanessa, the connection grew after
you are helping out with virtual we enjoyed as students.” graduation.
learning grandchildren. If you are
not in one of those categories, you Judy Gaudio Scala: “Huge shoes “For me the most pivotal moment was three or four years out
occupy your time with reading, to fill. Can’t say enough to de- of college, when I was trying to find my professional footing,” said
crafts, exercise, home improve- scribe all the good that Donna has Vanessa, who worked in higher education before joining Calvin
ments, walks, jigsaw puzzles, accomplished. May she enjoy hap- as the LemonAd Stand’s vice president of sweetness, marketing
cleaning, or participating in py healthy years in retirement!” and communications. “I emailed Donna with a question, and she
Zooms for meetings, happy hours, invited me to come talk to her. She had such clarity and vision
visits with family and friends. Joanne Capito-Corwin: “We have about my career path.”
And then, there is Netflix, Hulu, been blessed to know the most
HBO Max, Britbox, etc. Endless amazing women as presidents. I The Jacksons point to Dominican’s growth as a legacy of
screen time! wish Donna joy, peace, and bless- Carroll’s strong leadership. They also appreciate the institution’s
ings in her adventures while she stance on issues close to their hearts.
Our Class of 1969 Facebook page remembers her journey touching
has been a way to stay con- the lives of so many over her “We’ve always been proud that in times of tough conversa-
nected with pictures and posts, years. Donna Carroll is Caritas/ tions—whether it’s immigration or social injustice—the school
mini-quizzes, and Dominican Veritas and we are so lucky!” always comes out on the right side. And that comes from Donna,”
news. Posts have linked us to said Jackson.
the London Royal Opera House Additional information and plans
performing “Handel’s Hallelujah for Donna’s retirement will be “That, for us, is the Dominican legacy,” added Vanessa. “That is
chorus, to Andrea Bocelli’s “Easter forthcoming. who we are as members of the Dominican community.”
Music for Hope,” to a July 4th
concert by socially distanced Sincere sympathy is extended to
members of the Chicago Sympho- Joanne Capito-Corwin on the
ny Orchestra. death of her husband, Ric and to
Kathryn Stangl Feilmeyer on
Nancy Schumacher Piedlow the death of her husband, Robert.
reported “No news. No accom- Prayers and condolences go out
plishments.” to both the Corwin and Feilmeyer
families. Rest in Peace Ric and
Anne Wilson posted fun quizzes - Robert.
identifying 39 Beatles songs being
the best! We mourn the death of Sr. Joan
O’Shea (Deirdre) ’52. Sr. Joan was
Judy Dodane O’Dwyer has posted professor of theology and 4th floor
uplifting messages for reflection. Power rector during our years.
Judy’s 46-year-old daughter From her obituary: “As a Domin-
Meredith, was recently diagnosed ican Sister of Sinsinawa, Joan
with cancer. Keep Judy, Meredith, shared her gifts over 70 years as
her husband, and young son in a teacher, administrator, dean
your prayers as she undergoes of students, chaplain, professor,
treatment. minister, and University Director
of Mission Integration. Her bright
After posting a picture of Rosary/ light, abundant talents, and deep
Dominican Presidents Sr. Candida faith were shared in New York,
Lund, OP ’42, Sr. Jean Murray, OP Illinois, Italy, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Indiana, Florida and

36 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

“The school always comes out on the right side. And that comes from Donna.”

Vanessa Jackson ’03

Wisconsin.” Joan’s wit and wisdom gagement. Thank you, Eileen, for Paul as they celebrated their 33rd through her career as a judge.”
will be missed. your unending passion for social wedding anniversary. They have Niki continued that two professors
justice. Caritas/Veritas. been hiking the trails near their who impacted her greatly were
Gail Kniewel Johnson: “A true ex- CA home and she is very anxious Mrs. Leota Hirsch, who nurtured
ample of a kind and caring teach- The first recipient of the Class of to get back to riding her recum- her love of writing and literature,
er and mentor. We were blessed to 1969 Scholarship, Garrett Boston bent bike. and Mrs. Tillieux, professor of Art
have her in our lives.” from Utah is majoring in Biologi- History who ignited her interest
cal Neuroscience. He is a member Ruthmarie Hamburge Mitsch in art. They were instrumental in
Kim Smyth Roufs: “A saint among of the Dominican Men’s Soccer shared her memories of Sister her satisfaction with her career in
us.” Team. Garrett is looking toward Jean Murray ’49 (formerly Sister public relations with not-for-profit
going to medical school and Meredith.) She remembered organizations. Her liberal arts
Joanne Capito-Corwin: “Holding becoming a neurosurgeon. Garrett being intimidated by her. “No education proved to be a tremen-
her memory in my heart as she writes: “It is an honor to receive nonsense. A serious scholar.” Not dous resource and her desire to
rests in the arms of the Good such an award. It really means only did she have her for French work for the betterment of society
Shepherd whose life she imitated something to receive a scholar- (notably 20th Century French Lit), was amplified by Rosary. As the
during her own.” ship established by a class who but Sister was her advisor in the mother of three and grandmother
went through the same challenges BA/MA program, serving as her to two, she has often called upon
Eileen Willenborg: “We were at the same university[college]. thesis advisor. Ruthmarie con- the qualities she developed at Ro-
blessed to have known Sr. Joan tinued that by the time she was a sary. She ended by saying that it
and fellow Sisters. Eternal peace Thank you to all who have con- junior “I had proven my studying was “wonderful to put into words
to Sr. Joan and the others who tributed class news. And thank chops and she warmed to me.” Af- what has gone so long unarticu-
had such an impact on our lives.” you to all on our private FB page. ter graduation, they continued to lated.”
Eileen Willenborg’s passion for If you don’t have FB but would correspond and would occasion-
social justice moved her to estab- like something posted, send it to: ally meet at Rosary. When Ruth- In a humorous vein, Molly Schafer
lish the Civic Learning Academy [email protected] with Class marie lived in Columbus Ohio, if DeDominicis noted that she and
at Dominican University wherein News in the subject. News may Sister attended a meeting there, Ken are “regretfully boring and did
faculty are trained to incorporate also be sent directly to alumni@ they would squeeze in a visit. I say completely boring? Covid
civic learning and engagement dom.edu. Stay well, safe, and When Ruthmarie moved to FL, her does that to people!” Not so her
into their curricula. Faculty from healthy! mentor would drive down with Sr. daughter Claire, whose husband
a broad range of disciplines— Mary Philip. Ruthmarie noted that retired as an Air Force fighter
sociology, nutrition sciences, 1971 it is such a lovely feeling to move pilot. They loved their time in the
nursing, theology, business, from student to friend. She greatly EU and have moved to Portugal.
psychology, political science, Kathy Klem Large appreciated Sister influencing The grandchildren are in school
social work, criminology, ministry— Class Agent her to pursue graduate studies, and Portuguese is becoming part
have attended the Civic Learning keeping up with her professional of their brains, as is Spanish and a
Academy training seminars the Greetings Class of 1971! And, now milestones, her husband Bill’s little Turkish. Molly remains hope-
past two summers to explore and for the news… achievements and her daughters’ ful for the vaccine and grateful for
create courses and experiences to names and interests. FaceTime.
build student skills in activism and On a sad note, I need to tell you
democratic engagement. Lessons of the loss of beloved Sister Joan Between Covid lockdowns, Sue Nancy Sidote Salyers MA ’72
in civic learning will address so- O’Shea ’52. Many had her for Mackiewicz Sowa enjoyed a wrote that, as an English major,
cial and economic inequality, in- theology/philosophy and I think lovely lunch with Linda Grzesia- there were many icons to choose
adequate access to healthcare and she was our freshman class ad- kowski Hanrath MALS ’74. Sue’s from as far as mentors. She does
other services, social and racial visor. She was an inspiration and daughter’s wedding has been not discount any but her thoughts
justice, immigrant and workers’ her warm smile, soft voice, and postponed for the 4th time—per- immediately were drawn to two.
rights, food insecurity, and other beautiful blue eyes will be with haps this September? She wrote Sr. Candida Lund ’42, who showed
issues that confront people of col- us always. In addition, I received that gratefully no one has con- great courage by saying “Yes to
or and the poor and underserved word from Judy Gaglione Zitlow tracted Covid in her family and Time Out for Change” and then
in our country. This year, the Civic and Ellen Havlik Turney of the hopes that blessing will continue. leading the implementation of
Learning Academy will expand its death of classmate Valerie Burrer things that have led to Dominican
scope as trained faculty begin to Danek. Judy wrote that her “dear Niki Petrakos Chibucos wrote today. Next, Mrs. Mary Magee, the
place qualified students in paid friend’s gentleness impacted not that my suggestion to write about school nurse with the little o ce
internships at area non-profit only her family, but her friends impactful people was enticing and that welcomed so many of us. “She
organizations that address issues and her young students. She is took the ball and ran. She wrote, had a wonderful way of listening
from their class work. The goal is dearly missed.” Her obituary can “I would begin with Nancy Sidote while encouraging us to solve our
to help students gain hands-on be found at kurtzmemorialchapel. Salyers MA ’72 who was my own problems.”
experience and create networks com. “Match Mate” freshman year. Nan-
that will help them find post-grad- cy was such a wonderful friend to “We feel so blessed to still have
uation jobs that focus on civic en- Congratulations to Kathie cultivate early and watch bloom our health and no scares this year”
Schwall Boley and her husband

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 37

class news

noted Lin Fosnacht Siebolds er who served as a patient dorm freshmen and sophomores. But Rosary, I found her in the old Library
BLS ’19. She and John are both mother on First Floor Coughlin she made it clear that teaching with Sister Mary Clemente Davlin
working which has been good as our freshman year. She noted Sr. was her passion. She was incred- ’50 as they worked to collate the
there’s not much else to do. They Candida Lund ’42 as a brilliant ibly gifted. I will never forget the programs for the Easter Vigil. She
can’t wait to get the vaccine and leader, who inspired Anne Vonder- title of her dissertation for her was a gentle soul who loved her
travel. haar’s “spot on” characterization Ph.D. at the Univ. of Chicago. I students and cared deeply that
of her at the 1970 Christmas party paraphrase: Sunday Closing Laws: we each developed our potential.
I send congratulations to Marga- and Sister took it in great humor. The Kosher Pickle Shop. And yes, Thank you for your remembrances.
ret Kramer Sprague on her 50th (Too bad there were no cell I read it. As a Sophomore, I took a They touched me deeply and I
wedding anniversary. She and her phones to record Anne’s perfor- theology course called ‘The Prob- hope they will touch you too…
husband, Dr. Bill Sprague had a mance!) She noted Sister Joan lem of God.’ The professor struck
Zoom with their children, Luke, O’Shea ’52 as a beloved mentor. me as a bit of a leprechaun, with 1976
Jenn and Jacqueline. She is in cor- On a family note, she and John her twinkling blue eyes, gentle
respondence with Mary Jo Senica, have purchased property in UT. demeanor, and inner peace. Need Mary Gallagher Banaszak
Leslye Kalnes Madden and Sue They will work with an architect I name her. Sr. Joan O’Shea ’52! Class Agent
Koroski Bielawski. to build a home to enjoy the year- We Irish seem to recognize each
round activities. Despite Covid, other as ‘Anan Cara’—soul friends. Carl Sirotzki: “I am celebrating
Martha Yancey Hellar began John’s consulting business keeps There was one sticky point I the 5th Anniversary of being an
by saying she and Don have the him busy. started teasing Joan about—was ordained ELCA Pastor on Nov. 21,
good fortune to live on their farm God the problem or was it us? 2020. My wife Jo and I celebrated
in Kansas and decided to hit the Mary Ann Campbell Swalling That was the beginning of a our 34th wedding anniversary on
road in their camper to discover sent word she and Chris are lifelong friendship and I am still November 8, 2020.”
more of their home state and enjoying a reprieve from Alaska working on the problem of God.”
nearby Oklahoma. They welcomed in Coachella Valley. With Chris re- Pat related that Sr. Joan eventually 1979
two grandchildren this year. They tired, they plan to golf, bike, eat on became a hospital chaplain at
drove to Las Vegas to meet Ame- their patio. She plans to do some Lutheran General in Park Ridge. Hilary Ward Schnadt
lia. They stopped in national parks watercolor painting and acrylic Pat enjoyed visits with Joan while Class Agent
and visited monuments along pieces. She can enjoy the wonder- she was there. About 15 years
the way. They hope to continue ful desert light and the cacti o er ago, she returned to Dominican Our class has experienced joy
traveling that way as it’s safe and her a new subject matter. Before as the first Director of Ministry and sorrow in these past months.
comfortable. She said Rosary will they left, they were able to enjoy and Mission. They were able to Several lost family. Kathleen
be remembered not because of a family Christmas as their kids continue years of friendship, plays Johnson Williams lost her Aunt
one person, but by camaraderie have been working from home at Dominican (Pat’s son Joe Farrell Honey (Elnora Johnson) and her
with friends and faculty. She has and with negative tests, they were ’17 was a theater major!) and many Aunt Mary. Lynette Cabell lost
fond memories of those years that confident that they could meet heart-to-hearts. One of Pat’s most her Aunt Ceola Cook in January
will never be forgotten. outdoors in their “Bubbles.” treasured “gifts” from Sister was 2021. Margaret Foy Shields lost
her sponsoring Pat to become a her brother Jim and Sue Junkros-
From Texas, I heard from Peg Pat Harnett Farrell MALS ’81 sent Dominican Associate, a layperson ki lost her brother John. William
Rohr Duran. They travelled to a touching remembrance of Sister who vows to live and work the Dicker lost his mother Roberta.
PA from Corpus Christi in 2019 Joan O’Shea and the Sinsinawa Dominican Charism in everyday Sue was sadly correct when she
to welcome a grandson. After Dominicans. Her older sister life. In Pat’s words, “She rests wrote, “I suppose we are in that
that, she immersed herself in the enrolled at Trinity High School, peacefully with her loving God…” stage of our lives where the good-
League of Women Voters. Like down the way on Division St. byes are all too frequent.” Let me
many, she celebrated the centen- Pat attended some events at the Lastly, my mentor was Sister speak for all of us in wishing them
nial of women getting the right school and got a sense of who she Jeanne Crapo (formerly Sister consolation and support.
to vote! On a Rosary note, she was meant to be as a young wom- Anna) ’46. As an English major, I
was sorry to hear of the death of an of faith. After graduating from took as many classes from her as Joy (Karen Allegra) Davy wrote
Sister Joan O’Shea ’52. Peg loved Trinity, she became a member of I could. She was an excellent writ- in response to my query, are
her theology class and that Sister the Class of 1971 at Rosary. She ing professor and I enjoyed her there things from our four years
encouraged students to check out continued that we were fortunate classes on American Literature together that sustain you? “Rosary
other religions and philosophies. to attend when many Sisters were and the English Novel. Despite was no less than a magical portal
She loved the “liberal outlook that present. Her first encounter with arthritis, she continued her into a world of study and brilliant
Rosary encouraged.” a sister was Political Science 101 teaching and served as advisor women who guided me and
taught by Sr. Candida Lund ’42! I to the newspaper. We rekindled served as mentors. It was an en-
Vicki Woodward sent a snapshot quote Pat, “I was a little shocked our friendship at the reunion and lightening place. The beauty of the
of three of her Rosary “impactful and intimidated that the college exchanged Christmas greetings. campus was part of the wonderful
personalities.” She started by list- president would take time to teach During one of my last visits to experience. I turned from one
ing dear Sister Cephas Windbach-

38 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

“Donna always heard me out and respected my point of view. At the same
time, she pushed me to to think more deeply about what I was doing.”

Hedi Belkaoui ’04, MAEA ’09

Passion for Social Justice road and took the one that would named “Nifty,” in honor of the dog
bring out more of the person I was her Dad had as a kid. “Yes, having
Hedi Belkaoui ’04, MAEA ’09, admits that he was something of supposed to be. Looking back, I a puppy seems like a full-time
a rabble-rouser during his college days. Spurred by a passion realize that many were experi- occupation. I had a dog as a kid
for social justice, he wasn’t afraid to critique the Dominican encing the same transformation. and always wanted another. It is
administration, which he wove into his Mulroy Award speech The influences of those four years hard to get much else done as it
during his senior year, or to take his concerns directly to Presi- are in my heart and color the is always time to go for a walk.
dent Donna Carroll. way I approach life, and yes, they He is great company, but I am
sustain me.” looking forward to when he stops
“I was always protesting about something, from the resi- his biting.”
dence hall policies to Dominican’s stance on the Iraq War,” he Bridget and Joe Cortina MBA ’82
recalls. “But Donna always heard me out and respected my point have been sheltering “in their own Helen Hollerich convened a Zoom
of view. At the same time, she also pushed me to think more paradise” in Florida. They have session on Halloween to replace
deeply about what I was doing.” traveled only for family reasons. an annual tradition of classmates
“Good news is our son Rick gathering for brunch. Helen,
Belkaoui, the son of longtime Dominican faculty member Cortina ’06 MBA ’08 got married
Janice Monti, was inspired by his Dominican experience to to his fiancé Erin Hennessy. This Teresa Anderson Shultz, Laura
pursue a career in social justice and education. A former teacher was the highlight of the year. They
and school principal, including a stint at the Jay Pritzker Acade- had a celebration planned but it Graf Holden, Nancy Greco, Ann
my in Cambodia, he recently joined the Archdiocese of Chicago was slimmed down to a cozy party
as director of school improvement. Today, he maintains a strong of 8. Everyone was tested before Van Hoomissen Bixby, Kathleen
personal and professional connection with Carroll. arriving. They married at sunrise Johnson Williams, and Augus-
on a beach at their home in Mich- ta Simpson, and I were able to
“I’ve had conversations with Donna about everything from igan. The 8 of us enjoyed a lovely join for the conversation, which
teacher recruitment to partnerships,” he says. “She’s also been brunch and later, a wedding ban- ranged from current news to rem-
a great influence on me as a mentor. I’ve had several points quet fit for kings and queens. The iniscences of Dominican Sisters.
in my career where I wasn’t sure what my next step should be, weather on the day was 70-75°! Helen added, “I have to say that I
and she’s always been willing to sit down with me and talk it God was looking down on Rick have never been more grateful for
through.” and Erin. Food was catered by a technology. My cell phone, email,
famous Detroit chef who drove Facebook, and Zoom were key to
. up to cook for the wedding. On getting through the pandemic as
Sunday everyone went their own a person who lives singly. We’ve
way home. Joe and I stayed a few come a long way since calling
more days, then we, too, flew back home from sweaty phone booths
to Florida. It was a glorious week- in Power or Coughlin, typing
end, and we couldn’t be happier letters on a manual typewriter,
with Rick and Erin.” When Bridget purchasing postage stamps at the
wrote to me in December, they bookstore, and dropping letters
were also preparing for a trip to down the mail tube in Lewis to the
visit the family of her sister Carol, basement mail room!”
whose husband was seriously ill.
Sue Junkroski recounted an
Nancy Greco bought her first adventure with Michelle Jackson
house. “I lived at my former entitled How We Spent a Weekend
address for 43 years and have in Bogota, Colombia. “Michelle
never lived in a house, so this is and I were booked on a 10-day
a big change.” She hopes to host tour. There was such conflicting
her classmates when it is safe to news, that when the tour company
do so. Her performance sched- said, ‘We’re going, but you can
ule is on hold due to COVID but cancel if you like,’ we checked
she hopes to resume in 2021, the virus stats for Colombia and
including directing for the Italian said, ‘Ok, we’ll chance it!’ When
American Theatre of Chicago, we left on Friday the 13th (we
founded by a fellow DU alumna, should have known), Colombia
Cathy Sweitzer ’73. had no restrictions. By the time
we landed, there were rumblings
Alice Heinze added a golden about closing the national parks.
retriever puppy to her household, On Saturday, museums closed. By
Sunday, the company was sending
us home on a 10pm flight, because

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 39

class news

Colombia was closing its borders. Grateful for Personal Support One last thing…I refuse to become
We hope to go back because a Packer fan, but that may change
we liked what we saw!” Fingers As an undocumented high school student in suburban Chicago, due to self-preservation instincts!
crossed for a longer visit! Arianna Salgado ’15 was told that her immigration status would Go BEARS!”
prevent her from going to college. Undaunted, she explored her
Kevin Killips wrote, “I retired at options and found her way to Dominican. Rick Wilk wrote, “I visited a rela-
the beginning of 2020. Who knew tive in a nursing home in Florida
what we would be getting into!? “Dominican was on my list because I knew an undocumented after COVID prevented visiting
I am spending my time on two student who was having a good experience there,” said Salgado, a until fairly recently. I drove cross
Boards. I was asked to join the social-justice advocate who works with Organized Communities country and stayed at state parks
Board of Brookfield Zoo—or more Against Deportations (OCAD), a Chicago-based nonprofit. “I had and other venues for safe outdoor
correctly the Chicago Zoological gotten accepted and I had gotten some financial support, but it hiking. It resulted in a slow trip,
Society. COVID-19 has really im- wasn’t enough.” but what else is there to do? I’m
pacted the operations. I finished still playing outdoor tennis in
my 6-year run as the Chair of Do- A mutual acquaintance arranged for Salgado to meet with December as indoor doubles has
minican’s Board and am still the President Donna Carroll. “I talked to Donna about who I was and been shut down. I prefer playing
immediate past chair and member explained my financial situation,” Salgado recalled. “She reached outside; however, tennis players
of the executive committee. The out to some people, and she found someone who was willing to prefer constant conditions so
University has done a great job cover a good portion of my tuition for all four years.” indoor is their preferred venue. I’m
of operating in the COVID-19 thankful to be playing at all after a
environment. Donna and her Salgado says she’ll always be grateful to Carroll for her person- 3-year stint on the tennis disabled
team have done a magnificent al support. But she also appreciates Carroll’s work on behalf of the list. Wishing everyone a peaceful
job of creating a stable and safe broader community. 2021!”
environment. The work that has
been done at the leadership, “Donna has always spoken out in favor of federal and state Washington State Supreme Court
sta , faculty, and student levels policies like the Illinois Dream Act,” she said. “She really embodies Justice Mary Yu received the Wil-
is extraordinary. As you have un- what Dominican stands for.” liam O. Douglas Judicial Service
doubtedly heard, Donna is retiring Award in 2020, “in recognition for
after a magnificent 27-year run over 20 years of diligent service
during which she transformed the on the bench and your commit-
institution from Rosary College to ment to the justice system in the
Dominican University and a whole State of Washington.”
lot more. I have been asked by
my board colleagues to chair the I share Helen’s appreciation for
search committee as we seek a the technology allowing us to stay
worthy successor to Donna. I hope connected. I was a late adopter of
you and all my 1979 classmates text messaging but am grateful
stay safe.” I’m sure that we are all for an ongoing conversation
grateful for Kevin’s work on behalf that keeps me connected with
of our alma mater and wish him Margaret Foy Shields and other
great success in this most import- childhood friends. I participated
ant search. via Zoom in the Court Theatre’s
seven-week “Deep Dive” into Tom
Jeanne Sullivan Goss MALIS ’82 Stoppard’s latest play, Leopold-
wrote, “We relocated to Green stadt. That took me back to our
Bay. Our daughter lives here, and 1977 semester in London because
we wanted to be closer to her. My my research project was on Stop-
husband, Lee, retired from CDW. pard. And, yes, I have the copy of
We were o ered a great deal on his monograph on Stoppard that
our Libertyville property. We Ronald Hayman autographed
sold, found a house, and are now for me when he visited our class.
residents of Wisconsin. We’re so Tucked inside is a signed notecard
happy to be here! I’m working from Stoppard himself, politely
for W.W. Grainger and have been declining to be interviewed by this
remote since March. Ellie graduat- visiting American student, alas.
ed from UW Green Bay and has Keep well and keep in touch!
landed a job with Nature’s Way.
Hilary Ward Schnadt
[email protected]

40 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

“[Donna] really embodies what Dominican stands for.”

Arianna Salgado ’15

1980 Laura Brown Schmuck MAT ’07 1994 2003
is in her 10th year of teaching at
Linda Rohde Sandburg High School in Orland Rosaisela Herrera Bueno became Mary Sobczak Minster, Yvette
Class Agent Park, and is working toward the President of the NAHREP
becoming a certified Pilates (National Association of Hispanic Vazquez Pratt
Larry Regan is in Ground Oper- instructor. She hopes to finish her Real Estate Professionals) for the Class Agents
ations with Southwest Airlines at certification this year. Assuming Chicago North Chapter 2020.
San Francisco International. COVID-19 is under control, Laura Tamara Gordon: “After graduating
and her husband, Ron, who retired 1999 from Dominican with BS in Nu-
1985 after 27 years with the Chicago trition and Dietetics, I completed
Police Department, hope to travel Christy Miklautsch Gumbach, a Dietetic Internship/Master’s
Lisa Chmela Grzywa to Finland. in Clinical Nutrition Program at
Class Agent Kara Green Hanak RUSH University Medical Center
Korin Heinz has adapted by tak- Class Agents in 2006. I found my dream job at
Elisabeth Chmela Grzywa: “My ing advantage of virtual classes the University of Virginia Medical
family and Karen Kaufmann Mi- and events all over the world. She Shelley Watson Maglangque: “I Center and moved to Charlottes-
galdi and her husband were able has enjoyed being able to Zoom married Earl Maglangque in OR ville. I worked as a Clinical Dieti-
to road trip to Springfield, Illinois, with long-distance friends. Korin on May 27, 2019. In addition to tian Specialist for 14 years until I
sharing a two flat and a very fun is grateful to have learned a lot working as a Speech-Language decided to pursue a second career.
time! I joined the board of RRAF, about technology and creative Pathologist at Howard Elementary I was accepted to the to the top
a day program for those with de- approaches to teaching due to in Eugene, OR, I am an Augmenta- clinical nurse leader program in
velopmental disabilities that one remote instruction this year. Her tive and Alternative Communica- the country and have begun my
of my sons attends. I have learned stepdaughter Zoe is a freshman at tion specialist at the University of journey to become a Master’s
and continue to learn a lot about U of I Urbana-Champaign, while Oregon’s HEDCO Clinic.” educated nurse at the University
services for that population. And stepdaughter Phoebe is a high of Virginia. I met my now husband
it turns out, the Director is also a school sophomore. Her new kitten, Sr. Kimberly Rose Prohaska, OSB of 8 years. We have a 5-year-old
Dominican alum!” Beau, is a ton of fun! was elected the 13th Prioress of son, Henry, who likes to wear his
St. Scholastica Monastery on Jan- Dominican University hoodie!
1989 Be sure to join our Facebook uary 20, 2020, and was installed
group. It’s a private group, but you in the Diocese of Little Rock by 2006
Garett Auriemma can request to join by searching Federation President Sister Jeanne
Class Agent “Rosary College Class of 1989.” Weber, OSB and Bishop Anthony Diane Schultz Meske MAEd ’15,
Taylor. Sister Kimberly Prohas-
I hope you’ve all been safe and 1991 ka will serve a six-year term in Annie Hughes Halsema
healthy. Like many of you, my leadership. Class Agents
family and I have been working Michael D. Ruggiero MBA ’94
(and learning) from home. Brenda won the Five Star award and was 2000 Jennifer Miller Adams: “I am
Groeper MAT ’01 has set up a featured as one of the outstanding halfway through completing the
virtual classroom in our basement wealth planners in Chicago as well Gigi Benitez, Christopher Phills program to earn my Principal’s
where she teaches AP Psychology as in the US. He was also featured Class Agents License. I moved to Wisconsin a
and Sociology to her Morton West in 2020 issues of Chicago maga- few years ago with my husband. I
High School students. My “front zine and Fortune magazine. Sr. Glenna Marie Czachor, OSF: “I currently teach 6th grade ELA and
room o ce” looks less like a front was elected to serve my religious Social Studies at a public school.”
room and more like an o ce. Our 1992 community on our Leadership
son, Evan, is finishing his senior Team, the Wheaton Francis- 2007
year at Fenwick High School and Melissa Mascari Santo Pietro cans, also known as the St. Clare
is getting ready to begin as a col- Class Agent Region of the Franciscan Sisters Stephanie Adams Taylor, Mark
lege freshman, while our daughter, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of
Rowan, is a freshman at Fenwick. Carlene Jaworowski Reeves: “My Jesus and Mary. We held a simple Carbonara, Stephanie Lieberman
Both are active in Fenwick’s music son’s high school theatre class is installation service on October Class Agents
and theater programs and have featured in episode 8 of the Dis- 5th, the Feast of our Foundress,
found innovative ways to take part ney+ documentary Marvel 616. He Mother Clara Pfaender.” RoJenia Judkins Jones was pro-
in “pandemic performances.” Our appears on camera a few times. moted to North American Region-
dog, Maddie, doesn’t know why The kids performed and did sets al Product Manager for Natural
we’re at home, but she approves for two Marvel stage productions. Colors at Givaudan, a leading
wholeheartedly. It was a year-long and the film flavor and fragrance company.
crew was at his school docu- RoJenia joined Givaudan 3 years
menting the process from start to ago as an R&D Color Specialist.
finish.” RoJenia will be responsible for
collaborating with cross-function-
al teams to ensure the growth of

Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 41

class news

the North American natural color served as a teaching assistant to Graduate Alumnae/i Matt Stuczynski MLIS ’09 has
product line within Givaudan. a professor and managed a film- Class News been inducted into the Chicago
making project between master’s LGBT Hall of Fame for his
Stephanie Lieberman is the students and immigrant African School of long-standing advocacy work.
owner of a small law firm in Park youth in Philadelphia. They creat- Education Among Matt’s most notable
Ridge, IL and works as a property ed public awareness films about achievements is the founding of
tax analyst. She has been regu- the intersections of Black Lives Michael James MSPED ’00: “My the Chicago chapter of GLSEN
larly engaging in advocacy work Matter, COVID-19, and critical latest book, Black America: The (Gay Lesbian Straight Educa-
surrounding Alzheimer’s research, consciousness. I interned for 21st Century (The Demand For tion Network) in 1994. As a high
hunger awareness, and children’s UNESCO’s International Institute Racial Equality) was submitted for school teacher for nearly 40 years,
rights work. for Capacity Building in Africa the 2021 Pulitzer Prize. Moreover, he has been instrumental in LGBT
remotely and worked with univer- I received a Dominican University visibility in his school and in the
2008 sity youth and teacher educators Alumnae/i Award for Professional wider educational community.
on peace education initiatives in Achievement School of Education
Eileen Terrien, Catherine Calixto their countries.” in 2009.” Alex Gutierrez MLIS ’19 has been
Class Agents with the Oak Park Public Library
Ebony Benson: “I pursued my School of since 2016, when he served as
Erika Corona-Owens announced dream career a few years ago in Information Studies a volunteer. In December 2020,
her Candidacy for Berwyn Town- the world of recruitment and was he began his new role as Teen
ship Supervisor. This will be the recently promoted to a Campus Steven Olderr MALS ’72: “The Services Librarian.
first time a Latinx Woman runs for Recruiter with BMO Harris Bank! Dictionary of World Monasticism,
this position. Social Justice and I am most excited to be able to my 14th book, was published by Brennan School of
Civic Engagement are at the core connect with students, especially McFarland Publishers.” Business
of who Erika is. The Township those from my Alma Mater.”
exists to fill a need in the commu- Jennifer Moxin McIntosh MLIS Sean McCarthy MBA ’10 has been
nity—from general assistance to 2016 ’04 (Associate Dean of Library, named to the Illinois Manufac-
tax appeals to vaccinations and College of DuPage) has been turers’ Association Board of
referrals. Olivia Szuszkiewicz, Cutberto named to the RAILS Board of Directors. He is the Regional Vice
Directors as the Academic Library President of Business Develop-
2010 Aguayo, Erin Winkeler MS ’18, Representative. RAILS is the re- ment and Strategic Initiatives at
gional library system for northern Comcast, based in Schaumburg.
Ann Hussey Bala, Michelle Andrea Hinojosa and west-central Illinois. She cur- In his role, Sean leads strategic
Schultz Class Agents rently serves as Chair of NILRC, business initiatives, oversees the
Class Agents Network of Illinois Learning Re- deployment of advanced networks
Ignacio Perez Jr. is working sources in Community Colleges. in commercial and residential cor-
Patrick and Jessica Salinas at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, ridors, and works with customers
Hughes welcomed the newest the leading rehab and research Emily Compton-Dzak MLIS ’07 and public and private partners to
addition to their family as Patrick hospital. He works on the nerve, was appointed as the new Director innovate and incorporate connec-
Nolan Hughes was born on muscle, and bone unit. He sees of the River Forest Public Library. tivity and advanced technologies
October 29, 2020. He is adored patients who are in the process of She took over as Director of the into real estate developments and
by his fellow, future Stars sisters rehabbing/recovering. He helps River Forest Public Library after other projects.
Margaret and Rosemary. them regain function so that they fellow Dominican alumna Susan
are ready to go home or outpa- Quinn MLIS ’95 retired in October
Nico Toro was promoted to an tient. He works as a registered 2020.
Account Executive at Lockton nurse, but he is also a preceptor to
Companies under their Interna- new nurses and nursing students.
tional Private Equity practice. He During COVID-19, he has been
and his wife celebrated the first working extra hours so others
birthday of their son Leo. with families can be at home.
He has increased exposure to
Maryann Dreas Shaikha: “I re- COVID-19, but wants to help his
ceived an M.S.Ed. in International community as DU shaped him
Educational Development from to always give back. He recently
the University of Pennsylvania. I finished his MSN.

42 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

THE LORD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED AND SAVES THOSE WHO ARE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT

PSALM 34:18

in sympathy Cynthia Bane ’65 (MHS) Silva Russo Mesi ’76 Sibling of
Mary Enright Eliceiri ’65, MALS ’66 Tim Milinovich * Marianne Reeb Brooker ’51
Alumnae/i Mary Lidia Klodnycky-Procyk ’65 Jacquelyn Casey Morsch ’53 Barbara Hennessy Cagney ’54
Marjorie Malafronte Mills ’65 Mimi Gorak Murray ’70 Ginevra Ciavarella MBA ’84
Virginia Carney Taggart ’43 Jeri Shanahan ’65 Kenneth Orenic ’04, MLIS ’06 Marie Tierney Croft ’52
Betty Crowley Phillip ’44 Patricia Jana Hassler ’66, MALS ’73 Monica Ortiz ’15 Julia Doloszycki ^
Camille Pascal Berley ’45 (MHS) Mary Louise Brady MALS ’67 James Pittacora ’84 Peggy Magrady Fox ’77, MALS ’78
Mary Elizabeth Howe Carolan ’45 Sr. Ann Walters C.S.A., MALS ’67 Angelique Ogrodnik Reda ’96 * Madeleine McGrath Gallagher ’66
Henrietta Boyd McFadden ’45 Julie Ann Joyce Goldberg ’68 Drew Rutz ’71 Rosemary Fiduccia Gaudreault ’60
Anne Cox Harmon ’46 Sr. Marianne Travers, OP MALS ’68 Angela Freehill Sharkey ’69 Barbara O’Reilly Gleason ’51
Patricia Ryan Liska ’47 Arthur R. Taylor MALS ’69 Margaret Sullivan * Sherry Balow Kelly ’64
Elizabeth Rohde Pauly ’47 Nancy Roeser Thomas MALS ’69 Mary Ann Liebner Tanquary ’86 Thomas A. Krickl ’79
Helen White Cherry ’48 Barbara Pray MALS ’70 Amy Hart Tomaso MSW ’18 Gloria Adams Mills ’62
Msgr. Charles R. Meyer ’48 Virginia Taylor Tenney MALS ’70 Lorraine Vitullo Tuerk ’57 Margaret Mary Enright Molenda, ’70
Virginia Conahan Boyle ’49 Valerie Burrer Danek ’71 Martha Kahler Van Ness ’71 Mary Magrady O’Brien ’65
Anna Marie Garippo Sciaraffa ’49 + Arlene Feiner MALS ’71 Rosie McGough Weissmueller ’72 Helen Conahan Pfister ’56
Mary O’Reilly Fahrenbach Swiderski Dan Sharon MALS ’71 Kathleen Johnson Williams ’79 Agnes Tierney Prindiville ’50
Sr. Rosemary Kirsten, OP, MALS ’73 Ivan Zaher * Kathleen Magrady Roy ’77, MSA ’90
’49 Harrison J. Phillips ’73 Catherine Krickl Rutz ’72
Peggy Welch Meek ’50 Dorothy Mae Castronova ’74 Grandparent of Margaret Foy Shields ’79
Rita Winter Rogers ’50 George Tenegal MFA/Schifanoia ’74 Jacob Barajas ’03
Sr. Patricia Smith, OP ’50 (FS) Patricia Craig MALS ’76 Matthew Barajas ’05 Spouse of
JoAnne Collins Campbell ’51 Kathleen Fitzgerald Farrell MALS ’76 Patrick Boyle ’12
Jeannine Sheridan Eubank ’51 Jeanine Caputo Hubacek ’80 Alysse Dahlgren ’11 Joanne Capito-Corwin ’69
Saranne Cosgrove Fourney ’51 Marian Zimmerman MLIS ’80 Anastasia Rogus Gruper MAT ’03 Yolanda Cintron ’83
Sr. Florence Gavin, OP ’51 Steven A. Galanis ’82 Jazmin Medrano-Lopez ’14 Kathryn Stangl Feilmeyer ’69
Peggy Hennessy Lawley ’51 Sharon Smilanich MSPED ’82 Tiffany Mesi ’02 Adena Fitzgerald MALIS ’87
Mary Jean McMahon Rigali ’51 Lee Gerwin MBA ’83 Amy Tull MLIS ’04 Diane Grudzien Hart ’68
Mary Lou Gladstone McCabe ’52 Anne McCarthy Ring MALIS ’83 Catherine McJohn Leveille ’70
Sr. Joan O’Shea, OP ’52 (FS) + Irma Jean Martin MBA ’84 Parent of Katherine Zielinski Noreiko ’73
Patricia Brennock Casey ’53 Sr. Peggy Stovall, OSU ’84 Elizabeth Reilly Peterson ’59
Margaret Conley DeSerio ’54 David Thornton ’84 Maria L. Bonus ’89 Kathleen O’Malley Riban ’59
Mary Cullinan Layton ’54 Mary Pat Fulstic-Egner ’86 Joseph Bruno ’04 Mary McGough Schultze ’64, MALS
Betty Jardine Gits ’55 Kathleen Howard Garchitorena ’86 Susan Bakel Cohn ’68
Patricia Nitsche Livingston ’56 Theodora Fulgenzi Law ’87 Sandra Kern Cyr ’66 ’71 +
Frances Stanton MFA/Schifanoia ’56 Jerilu Senkerik-Rose ’93 G. Kevin Davis ’83, MALIS ’88 Jean Boyce Taylor MALS ’69
Carol Johnson Bancroft ’57 Donna M. Williams MLIS ’94 Brandon Feliciano ’15 Patricia O’Neill Tierney ’49
Nancy Angland Casey ’57 Michael Ciavarella ’98 Rebecca Feliciano * Lorraine Vitullo Tuerk ’57
Sr. Dorothy Gabel, OP ’57 + Aleksandra Chernin MLIS ’02 Andrea Fitzsimmons *
Mary Kay McDonough Masini ’57 Susan Adams Stroka ’04 Samella Hargro * University Friends
Jackie Reeb McGill ’57 Sean Daly ’05 Susan Hebble *
Sr. Baptist Stohrer, OP ’57, MFA/ Katherine Wolfgram-Cady Laursen Nicole Heiberger ’17 John N. Berry III
Deborah Kaczmarek * Sr. Michelle Germanson, OP (FS) +
Schifanoia ’61 (FS) MLIS ’05 Mary Thecla Lomnicki ’78 Sr. Esther Heffernan, OP (FS)
Margaret Stanton Wood ’57 Leila Massouh MSPED ’20 Sr. Barbara Hutfless, OP
Joan Jennings Bulinski ’59 Family member of Susan Kreuz McCoyd ‘69 Michael Leonard
Dorothy Buchholtz ’60, MALS ’64 Linda Willett McDonald MS ’20 * Monica R. Roberts (MHS)
Eleanor Rigali Arnold ’63 James Mesi ’75 Rita Simo
(MHS) Gloria McCormick Baird ’94 Liesl Orenic * LaVerne Tomaso
Madeline Fiduccia Horton Carey ’60 Kathie Barajas * Mary Stroka Payne ’12 Scott Zeman
Rita Pietrzak Delnicki ’60 Martha Evans Boyle ’78 Lisa Petrov *
Sr. Margaret Knittel, R.S.M ’61 Kathleen Kelly Combs ’73 Suzanne Dilillo Pittacora ’89 + Former Trustee
Sr. Marie Walters, OP ’61 Betty Freehill DeGuzman ’61 Mary Romano ’87 (T) Current Trustee
Florence Rould Abels MALS ’62 Joan Lawley Dunne ’51 Fred M. Spear MLIS ’06 * Staff/Faculty member
Rosemary Kelley Heiberger ’54 Margherita Romano Taibi ’89 ** Student
(MHS) Marilyn Freehill Jancewicz ’68 Jon Tomaso ’86 ^ Friend
Karen Arntson McDonnell ’62 Donna Freehill Land ’66 Richard Tomaso ’87 (FS) Founding Sister
Roberta Dougherty Sullivan ’62 Ellen Liebner MLIS ’01 Anne Marie Wilson ’69 (MHS) Mazzuchelli Heritage Society
Joanne Byrnes Fitzgerald ’63 Geralyn Hesslau Magrady ’90 (NGA) Non-graduating Alumna
Patricia Singelmann Vesper ’63 Katherine Kahler Matthews ’66
Anne McGovern Wylde MALS ’63 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021 43
Adriana Bechtold Cook ’64
Barbara Brown Spooner MALS ’64

scrapbook

1 2
4
1. Maryann Dreas Shaikha 3
’10 received her M.S.Ed. in 5 6
International Educational 7 8
Development from the
University of Pennsylvania
while interning for UNESCO’s
International Institute for
Capacity Building in Africa
working youth and teacher
educators on peace education
initiatives.

2. Both alums of 2010, Patrick
and Jessica Salinas Hughes
welcomed their newest addition
Patrick Nolan Hughes. He is
adored by his fellow, future
Stars sisters, Margaret and
Rosemary.

3. Shelley Watson Maglangque
’99 married Earl Maglangque
in Oregon on May 27, 2019.
Congrats to the happy couple!

4. Erika Corona-Owens ’08,
fueled by her passion for social
justice and civic engagement,
announced her Candidacy for
Berwyn Township Supervisor.

5. Rosaisela Herrera Bueno ’94
became the President of the
Chicago North Chapter of
National Association of Hispanic
Real Estate Professionals.

6. Sr. Glenna Marie Czachor, OSF
’00 (pictured on the left) was
elected to the Leadership Team
of the Wheaton Franciscans,
also known as the St. Clare
Region of the Franciscan Sisters
Daughters of the Sacred Hearts
of Jesus and Mary.

7. Nico Toro ’10 has lots to
celebrate: a promotion to an
Account Executive at Lockton
Companies under their
International Private Equity
practice and the first birthday of
son, Leo!

8. Audre Coia-Kurowski ’57
enjoyed a trip to Washington,
D.C. with her beloved and aptly
named family dog, Shadow.

44 Dominican Magazine SPRING 2021

oGf loifed’s You have blessed us with goodness and giftedness

throughout time in this, our community.
May the love that is in our hearts
Be a bond that unites us always,
Wherever we may be.
May the power of your presence bless this moment of transition
and may our common future be the source of many enriching
and transforming moments.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

George F. Driscoll, SJ
Presidential Inauguration Liturgy, 1995

The Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters offered
Donna Carroll a moving and intimate
blessing during her presidential inauguration
Mass, which was presided by her uncle,
George F. Driscoll, SJ.

Where Learning Demands More PMJBEE10/2032M
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River Forest, Illinois 60305
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OUR MISSION
As a Sinsinawa Dominican–sponsored institution, Dominican University
prepares students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service and
to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.

A Zoom Celebration Phenomenal ’68 women celebrate a phenomenal president.