Honors awarded at Saint Mary's Founder's Day

2013 Outstanding Seniors Constance Budin and Peter Borash

Gena Bilden, Brother Louis DeThomasis award winner; Tony Piscitiello, Distinguished Lasallian Educator; and Teresa Speck, recipient of the Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC Award for Excellence in Teaching

Brother William congratulates, from left: Brother Jean Manuel, Brother Terence McLaughlin and Brother Joseph Loewenstein.

 

 

Saint Mary’s presented awards to three Christian Brothers, a faculty member, a Lasallian educator and two outstanding seniors at its Founder’s Day celebration Tuesday, April 9.

Brother Joseph Loewenstein received an honorary Doctor of Humanities in honor of his inspiring leadership throughout his 70 years as a De La Salle Christian Brother. He served first as a teacher on the East Coast of the U.S., then as a teacher, vice principal and headmaster in Kenya, and most recently he served more than 30 years in Palestine. Brother Joseph has held a number of positions at Bethlehem University, including president and vice chancellor. In addition, he has heroically responded to the needs of those living in Palestinian refugee camps.

Brother Jean Manuel received an honorary Doctor of Humanities in recognition of 58 years of service as a De La Salle Christian Brother, through which he has touched the lives of countless students and families as a school administrator and English teacher. After more than 30 years at Bethlehem University, Brother Jean has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Church in the Middle East and to the world of Lasallian Catholic higher education.

Brother Terence McLaughlin, a 1944 Saint Mary’s alum, received an honorary Doctor of Humanities in recognition of his 72 years as a De La Salle Christian Brother, as a champion of racial equality, as an outstanding teacher, mentor and school administrator, and as an author. While serving as its president in 1963, Brother Terence broke ranks with the city’s culture code in Memphis and integrated Christian Brothers College high school, making it the first private school to enroll an African-American student in the Memphis region. This award to Brother Terence is being made on the occasion of the sesquicentennial of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Teresa (McNamara CST’76) Speck, professor of business, received this year’s Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is given every other year to an undergraduate faculty member who is recognized by both students and other faculty as exceptional in their teaching and engagement of students. The Severin Award recognizes excellence in teaching, communication and delivery, fairness in dealing with students, and the ability to encourage students to value the life of the mind. Speck is an organized and enthusiastic teacher who is always present to her students and colleagues. She is able to reach out to students while holding them accountable for content knowledge. Her students are well-prepared for careers in accounting and for the professional certification exams. In addition to her role with students, she plans and runs the first-year faculty mentoring program.

Tony Piscitiello ’69, M’82, senior advancement director, was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator. These awards are given by Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education. For more than 40 years, Piscitiello has served the mission, as first an admission counselor and later as vice president for admission and executive vice president, and now in his current position in University Advancement. Throughout his career, Piscitiello has demonstrated his Lasallian nature in his continued concern for the welfare of the thousands of students, families and alums he has encountered.

The Outstanding Male and Female Senior awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The following students were named Outstanding Male and Female Seniors: Peter Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of North Prairie, Minn.; and Constance Budin, daughter of Bruce and Colleen Budin of Le Center, Minn.

Finalists for the 2013 Outstanding Senior awards were: Aaron Henry, son of John and Kathleen Henry of Hastings, Minn.; Bryan Moore, son of Bill and Andrea Moore of Winona and formerly of Woodbury, Minn.; Jay Olson, son of Frank and Sara Olson of Plainview, Minn.; Jake Traxler, son of Tim and Jeanne Traxler of Le Center, Minn.; Sarah Anderson, daughter of Karen and Joe Anderson of Lino Lakes, Minn.; Samantha Herbst, daughter of Paul and Peggy Herbst of Osceola, Wis.; Jacinta Jude, daughter of Peter and Anna Maria Jude of Maple Lake, Minn.; and Shannon Nelson, daughter of Nathan and Jill Nelson of Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Additionally, every other year the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs awards the Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC Award to a staff member or fulltime faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence in advancing the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs in teaching, entrepreneurship, creativity and/or innovation, while serving as a model of the Lasallian Catholic spirit. This year’s recipient, Gena Bilden, associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Services, has become known as a gifted leader who motivates employees and colleagues to strive for the highest levels of efficiency and excellence throughout her 13-year tenure. Among the many innovations that she has championed are Pathways, a community college recruiting program; SMU Central, a one-stop student services department; and Acalog, the online searchable catalog.

Saint Mary's honors four at Founder's Day

Regina Quandt and Michael Mockler

Dr. Roger Peckover and Dr. Mary Catherine Fox

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s presented awards to a faculty member, a Lasallian educator and two outstanding seniors at its Founder’s Day celebration Tuesday, March 27. Founder’s Day is the annual celebration of the founding of Saint Mary’s in 1912 by Winona Bishop Patrick R. Heffron.

Roger Peckover, Ph.D., professor of education and associate director of the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, received this year’s Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for Service. This award is presented to an employee who has contributed positively to the life of the university, demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university, and been a model of the Lasallian spirit in interactions with colleagues and students.

Mary Catherine Fox, Ph.D., professor of interdisciplinary studies, was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator. These awards are given by Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education. Dr. Fox’s nomination noted her exceptional service to and involvement in local, regional, national and international Lasallian efforts, and her dedication to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level. Dr. Fox is highly regarded in the Lasallian community and has written and presented on numerous aspects of the Lasallian heritage and charism.

 Fox is a 1975 undergrad alum and earned a master’s degree from Saint Mary’s in 1989.

Additionally, the Outstanding Male and Female Senior awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The Outstanding Male Senior Award went to Michael Mockler, son of John and Caroline Mockler of Dubuque, Iowa. The Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Regina Quandt, daughter of Dan and Cathy Quandt from Minneapolis, Minn.

The following students were finalists for the 2012 Outstanding Senior awards — Males: Brian William Dillon, son of Bill and Lisa Dillon, of Arden Hills, Minn.; Luis Escobar, son of Francia Acevedo and Santiago Escobar Sr., of Madelia, Minn.; Kevin Halpin, son of James and Marie Halpin, of Bartlett, Ill.; and Robert "Robby" McGuire, son of Ann and John McGuire, of Rochester, Minn. Females: Lauren Baier, daughter of Patrick and Ruth Baier, of Mount Horeb, Wis.; Ellen Koneck, daughter of Mark and Nancy Bina, of New Brighton, Minn.; Amy Kujak, daughter of Paul and Barb Kujak, of River Falls, Wis.; and Jill Spitzmueller, daughter of Kathy and Bill Spitzmueller, of New Brighton, Minn.

Saint Mary's honors faculty, staff, students, Lasallian educators at Founder's Day April 5

Brother William welcomes Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools.

Brother Michael Collins, FSC, was awarded a Doctorate of Leadership and Service from Brother William and Michael Gostomski, chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees.

Brother Jeffrey Gros, FSC, received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Brother William and Michael Gostomski, chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees.

Drs. Melissa Luedtke and Roxanne Eubank were presented with the Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC, Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award.

Hilary Ethen and Sean Ohl, this year's Outstanding Seniors.

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University presented awards to alumni, faculty and students at its Founder’s Day celebration Tuesday, April 5. Additionally, Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools, served as the event’s keynote speaker.

Saint Mary’s presented honorary doctorates to Brother Michael Collins, FSC, Ed.D., president and chief academic administrator of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, and to Brother Jeffrey Gros, FSC, Ph.D., professor of church history at Memphis Theological Seminary.

Brother Michael, who is also a current SMU trustee, was awarded a Doctorate of Leadership and Service. He has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for his contributions to education, and particularly his efforts at promoting diversity within Catholic education. Brother Michael received his undergraduate degree in 1959, and a master’s in 1965, both from Saint Mary’s.

Brother Jeffrey received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He is well known in the ecumenical movement for broadening the understanding and reach of ecumenism. He served for 10 years as director of faith and order for the National Council of Churches and served for 14 years at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Brother Jeffrey received his undergraduate degree in 1959, and a master’s in 1962, both from Saint Mary’s.

Also honored were a dedicated faculty member, a Lasallian educator and two outstanding seniors.

Melissa Luedtke, Ed.D., of the Education Department received this year’s Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC, Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is given every other year to an undergraduate faculty member who is recognized by both students and other faculty as exceptional in their teaching and engagement of students.

Roxanne Eubank, Ed.D., professor, Doctor of Education in Leadership, and director of the Institute for Lasallian Studies, was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator. These awards are given by Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education.

Additionally, the Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The Outstanding Male Senior Award went to Sean Ohl, son of John and Lori Ohl of Bloomington, Minn. The Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Hilary Ethen, daughter of Todd and Lucinda Ethen of White Bear Lake, Minn.

Ohl is a biology-pre-med major. While at SMU, served as president of Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society (Gamma Epsilon Chapter) and completed a summer research internship for R&D Systems. He also played baseball, served as a resident assistant and practiced mixed martial arts. Ohl has also volunteered in the emergency room for Winona Health, and has been an EMT with the Lewiston Ambulance Service. After graduation, he plans to attend Midwestern Medical School (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine).

Ethen is a K-8 elementary education major with a math concentration. She has been involved with Open Mic Night, Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), Together Encountering Christ, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Residence Life, Relay for Life, Mass choir and Kappa Delta Pi (the educational honor society). She has also kept busy with SMU Volunteer Services, the Student Leadership Program Team, Students for Life, the Initial Teaching Alphabet (ita) Literacy Clinic, Lasallian Collegians, Habitat for Humanity, Ambassadors, and the Outdoor Club. Ethen was also part of the women’s tennis team and played intramural sports. Her future dreams include teaching in Africa or at an inner-city school district.

The following students were finalists for the 2010 Outstanding Senior Awards — Males: Santiago Escobar, son of Santiago Escobar Velasco and Francia Acevedó of Madelia, Minn.; Benton Kodet, son of Robert and Laurie Kodet of Northfield, Minn.; Lukas Holland, son of Jearold and Theresa Holland of La Crosse, Wis.; Daniel Streefland, son of Tom and Deb Streefland of Webster, Minn.; and Ryan Wockenfus, son of Jeff and Brenda Wockenfus, of New London, Wis.; Females: Alison Kremer, daughter of Patrick and Lisa Kremer of Iona, Minn.; Jennifer Koezly, daughter of Edwin and Monica Koezly of Ham Lake, Minn.; Elizabeth “Libby” Perkins, daughter of David and Kathleen Perkins of Bloomington, Minn.; and Samantha “Sami” Traxler, daughter of Tim and Jeanne Traxler of Le Center, Minn.

Saint Mary's honors faculty, staff, students, Lasallian educators at Founder's Day March 2

In honor of Founder’s Day March 2, Brother William, left, and Michael Gostomski, chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees, presented an honorary doctorate in educational leadership to Dr. Carmelita Quebengco for her work in the achievement of excellence in Lasallian higher education. Dr. Quebengco is currently executive vice president and chief operating officer of De La Salle Philippines, and chancellor emeritus of De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines.

WINONA, Minn. — At its Founder’s Day ceremony Tuesday, March 2, Saint Mary’s University presented an honorary doctorate to Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, executive vice president and chief operating officer of De La Salle Philippines, and chancellor emeritus of De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines. Dr. Quebengco was presented an honorary doctorate in educational leadership for her work in the achievement of excellence in Lasallian higher education. She addressed the audience about developing effectiveness in a Lasallian university.

Also honored were a dedicated staff member, a Lasallian educator within Saint Mary’s, and two outstanding seniors. Founder’s Day is the annual celebration of the founding of Saint Mary’s in 1912 by Winona Bishop Patrick R. Heffron.

Brother William congratulates Mary Becker who received the Bishop Patrick Heffron Award.

Mary Becker received the university’s Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for Service. Becker has served in the Office of the President since 1993. As the administrative assistant to the president, she provides a daily example of service and commitment to the mission of Saint Mary’s University.

Brother Stephen Rusyn, FSC, Ph. D., receives the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award.

Brother Stephen Rusyn, FSC, Ph.D., was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator. Brother Stephen is a long-time professor of English at SMU’s Winona campus who was chosen because of his attention and dedication to students. Distinguished Lasallian Educator Awards are given by many Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers; they honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education.

Additionally, the Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The Outstanding Male Senior Award went to David Dahlstrom, son of William and Rosanne Dahlstrom of Rochester, Minn. The Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Mariana Sanchez, daughter of Jaime and Bernadette Sanchez, of Puebla, Mexico.

Dahlstrom is an accounting and human resource management major and university baseball player. During his college career, he has been involved with the Lasallian Honors Program, KSMR radio, Delta Mu Delta (the international honor society in business) and Delta Epsilon Sigma (the national scholastic honor society). He also has competed in intramural athletics and volunteered at the ITA Literacy Clinic.


Sanchez is majoring in graphic design. She was a member of the golf and soccer teams, and also played water polo and lacrosse club sports. She’s shared her passion for sports by serving as Big Red, SMU’s Cardinal mascot and has helped to recruit other athletes. Sanchez also has worked with phonathon and completed internships with the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and with Saint Mary’s Press. For a creative outlet, she has exhibited work in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, designed T-shirts and event posters, and painted a mural in the Cardinal Club.

The following students were finalists for the 2010 Outstanding Senior Awards. Males: Gary Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of North Prairie, Minn.; Bill Duffert, son of Doug and Anne Duffert of Ramsey, Minn.; Zhe “Scott” Song, son of Shiqi Song and Haizhan Liu, of Xi’an, China; and Brian Smith, son of Brad and Sue Smith of Minneapolis, Minn. Females: Mary Gleich, daughter of Peter and Kathleen Gleich, of Hastings, Minn.; Vanessa Grams, daughter of Jean and Gregg Grams of Little Falls, Minn.; Molly Jewison, daughter of Dan and Marie Jewison of Janesville, Minn.; and Sarah Weir, daughter of Glenn and Veronica Weir of Oswego, Ill.

Saint Mary's honors faculty, students, Christian Brothers at Founder's Day

Dean Beckman and Dr. Jane Anderson

WINONA, Minn. —At its Founder’s Day ceremony Tuesday, Feb. 24, Saint Mary’s University observed the 75th anniversary of the De La Salle Christian Brothers’ affiliation with the university. Also honored were a dedicated faculty member, a Lasallian educator, and two outstanding seniors. Founder’s Day is the annual celebration of the founding of Saint Mary’s in 1912 by Winona Bishop Patrick R. Heffron.

Starting off the Founder’s Day event, Christian Brothers currently affiliated with SMU were recognized for their service to the university. Provincial Edmond Precourt, Superior of the Long Island-New England (LINE) District, accepted a special recognition on behalf of the Brothers of LINE district for their distinguished service. Three SMU presidents (including Brother President William Mann) have been members of this district, which serves Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and New England with provincial headquarters in Narragansett, R.I.

Dr. Jane Anderson was named as SMU’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator for 2009. Dr. Anderson has been on the faculty since 1995 and now serves as Dean of the School of Education. She is recognized for her efforts to engage and support the San Miguel Schools in Chicago and Minneapolis and her career-long commitment to understand and advance the cause of literacy education. Distinguished Lasallian Educator Awards are given by many Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers; they honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education.

The 2009 Brother H. Charles Severin Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Dean Beckman, assistant professor in the Social Science Department. Beckman has been a member of the faculty since 2001 and teaches courses in the mass communication program.

Over the years, he has shown consistent excellence in preparation of his courses, in communication and delivery of course material, and in fairness in dealing with students. He joins 21 other past and present faculty members as a Severin Award recipient. Recipients exemplify the teaching excellence and commitment to a student-centered learning that characterize a Saint Mary’s University education.

The Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, service to colleagues and the university community. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The Outstanding Male Senior Award went to Jakub Szymanski, son of Ryszard and Marianna Szymanski of Opole, Poland. The Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Emily Berg, daughter of David and Sharleen Berg of Owatonna, Minn.

Szymanski is an accounting major and a statistics minor. He has worked as a resident assistant (serving as SMU’s first international student R.A.), a New Student Orientation leader, a math and business tutor, and a student manager in the cafeteria. He has also actively participated in mission trips, intramurals, Student Senate, Volunteer Services, and Campus Ministry. After graduation, he hopes to earn a graduate degree in accountancy and start a professional career as a Certified Public Accountant.

Berg is a Spanish and K-8 education major with a concentration in language arts. She has played varsity women’s soccer and participated in various intramural sports. She also plays flute in concert band, wind ensemble, and flute choir. A member of the SOUL (Serving Others United in Love) Council, Berg and has led three service trips to Kentucky, Montana and Illinois. She is a member of ASCD, an education club that promotes excellence in education. She has also served as a tutor, taught religious education and migrant school instruction, and coached club and community soccer teams. After graduation, her goal is to teach through Teach for America, Alliance for Catholic Education, or Lasallian Volunteers.

The following students were finalists for the 2009 Outstanding Senior Awards. Males: Gary Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of North Prairie, Minn.; Ryan Langr, son of Ken and Cindy Langr of Coon Rapids, Minn.; Neil Leibundguth, son of William and Laura Leibundguth of Westchester, Ill.; and John Nolte, son of Doug and Ruth Nolte of Owatonna, Minn. Females: Maria Borgerson, daughter of Richard and Carol Borgerson of Bellingham, Minn.; Teresa Gill daughter of Mary and Dave Gill, Fort Collins, Colo.; Kaitlin Depuydt, daughter of Mark and Teresa Depuydt of Mankato, Minn.; and Julia Jergenson, daughter of Skip and Kris Jergenson of Houston, Minn.

Saint Mary's honored three at Founder's Day ceremony

Top left: Ana Sontag, Outstanding Female Senior

Top right: Kevin Black, Outstanding Male Senior

Bottom: Alan Joswick, 2008 Heffron Award winner


Founder's Day ceremony highlights

At its Founder’s Day ceremony Feb. 26, Saint Mary’s University honored a dedicated staff member and two outstanding seniors. Founder’s Day is the annual celebration of the founding of Saint Mary’s in 1912 by Winona Bishop Patrick R. Heffron.

The 2008 Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for Service to the University was presented to Alan Joswick. Joswick has worked in the Maintenance Department on the Winona campus since 1976 and is currently the trades department supervisor. The Heffron Award recognizes Joswick’s dedicated and tireless efforts to maintain and improve the campus physical plant. He provides a daily example of service to all who live and work on Terrace Heights and of commitment to the mission of Saint Mary’s University.

The Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, service to colleagues and the university community. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The Outstanding Male Senior Award went to Kevin Black, son of Jeff and Mary Pat Black of Mahtomedi, Minn. The Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Anastacia Sontag, daughter of Mike and Yvonne Sontag of Minneota, Minn.

Sontag is working toward her marketing major and chemistry minor; she has been involved with the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance Committee and Student Senate Executive Board. She also serves as president of the Student Activities Committee, has helped new students feel welcome as a New Student Orientation Leader, is involved with the Together Encountering Christ student retreat, and volunteered in Biloxi, Miss. After graduation, Sontag hopes to work as an after-school tutor and mentor with a long-term volunteer program.

Black is an accounting major and economics minor. During his time at SMU, he has been a member of the baseball team (serving as team captain), the Cardinal Athletic Council (serving as treasurer) and Delta Epsilon Sigma honor society. He has also volunteered with the Winona Food Shelf, played intramurals, and coordinated the Toys for Teens Drive. This fall he will begin a new job as an auditor for Deloitte Touche, an accounting firm based out of Minneapolis. Until then, he will be taking classes and studying for the Certified Public Accountants exam and helping coach the Mahtomedi American Legion baseball team.

The following students were finalists for the 2007 Outstanding Senior Awards: females, Lindsay Dickson, daughter of Jim and Janie Dickson of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; Laura Holupchinski, daughter of Greg and Cindy Holupchinski of Saint Paul, Minn.; Amy Kalina, daughter of Stephen and Kathleen Kalina of Webster, Minn.; and Kasey Schultz, daughter of Tom and Sue Schultz of Cary, Ill.; males, Rick McCoy, son of Lou and Peg McCoy of West Saint Paul, Minn.; Jeffrey David, son of Don and Kathy David of Potosi, Wis.; John Freeman, son of Mike and Joann Freeman, of Aurora, Ill.; and Alex Downes-Borowski, son of Michael Borowski and Marylou Downes of Woodbury, Minn.