Accent: An Avila University Publication

30 Pages·2003·3 MB·English

by  Avila University

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Message
a
2002 proved to he a very big year for our Avila community. OnJuly 16, we became a University,
a distinction given to institutions with a Carnegie Foundation Classification ofMaster’s I or higher.
Our faculty, staff, students, and alumni enthusiastically endorsed our name change. Two celebrations
marked the event and an Avila purple plum tree was planted in the quad to commemorate the occa-
sion. With the name change comes added responsibility, and we accept the challenge to provide the
best possible education to our students, now and in the future. As members ofthe Avila University
family, we can all be proud that we continue to meet this challenge, led by the pioneering spirit of
our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph ofCarondelet.
In 2002, we also experienced the sadness that comes from losing a devoted friend, and man of
Avila, G. Richard Scott, who passed away March 26. Richard loyally served Avila for 38 years as a
faculty member, as Vice President for Academic Affairs, and for the last fifteen years, as Director of
Planned Giving. Richard’s presence is greatly
missed. A scholarship has been established in
Richard’s name and gifts to-date are over $21,000,
making it possible for deserving and qualified stu-
dents to experience an Avila education.
We are starting 2003 with the inaugural issue of
the new Accent. We hope to bring you more in-
depth news about campus events, faculty and stu-
dent accomplishments, and most importantly, to
help you, the alumni, stay connected with one
another. You will be able to read alumni news in
Accent’s new “Connections” section. As in all
families, sharing news is important, so please take
the time to fill out the form on page 12 so that we
may publish your news in the next issue.
In this debut issue you will also find “Accent on
Avila”-short stories that will keep you up-to-
RyanJackson, SaraMaley,Jen-HungLan, TomGordon, Bobby Bass, andNatashaBoulch. date on what is happening on campus. You’ll read
news about people familiar to you like Srs. Olive
Louise Dallavis and Ann Dominic Tassone, and you’ll also see new names like Dr. Stephen Maynard
Caliendo, Avila’s Professor of the Year. You will read how proud we are ofDr. Stanley Banks and Dr.
Carol Colburn for publication oftheir books, “On Alley Way” and “Spirited Lives,” respectively. In
this issue, we have also included the fiscal year 2001-2002 Honor Roll ofDonors, an impressive list of
alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and students who have financially expressed their support for Avila’s
value-based education. Thank you to everyone for your gifts.
Please take the time to enjoy your new Accent and send us your comments. This is your magazine.
We seek and value hearing from you.
Best Wishes for a Healthy New Year,
Thomas F. Gordon, J.D. LL.M.
President
.
Contents
FEATURES
WINTER 2003
BEN MEADE
6
VicePresidentlor
Advancement AvilaProfessorBen Meadeearns international
Kimberly Hinrichs
success with hisfilm, Vakvagany
Directorol
CommunityRelations
Karl Yehle BRICKS, MORTAR,
Associate Directorol AND A LEGACY
CommunityRelations 8
Karen Baum ‘94
Meet the men andwomen whose namesgrace
CommunityRelations
Coordinator the campus buildings.
Eric Schroer ‘97, ‘02
Alumni Director SPORTS 10
Morten Klinte
Football, Men’s and Women’s Soccer,
Art Director
Volleyball, Cheerleading, and Dance Team.
GinnyArnold
Contributing Writers
Karen Baum ‘94 ACCENT ON AVILA
Josh Englebrake
JamalaaFerrell Poet-in-Residence 2
Melishe Ivey
Greg Middlestadt Professor of the Year 2
JenniferSanchez
Jake Sanders GolfClassic 4
Sharon Sichko
Jennifer Sexton Leaping Lizards 5
Karl Yehle New Perks for Avila Grads 5
Accentispublishedbythe
AdvancementDepartment CONNECTIONS
ofAvila University.
Connecting Avila Alumni 12
Sendquestions
,
comments,letters Memorials 15
orstoryideasto:
AvilaUniversity
CommunityRelations
Department
11901 Wornall Road
KansasCity,Missouri64145
(816] 501-2496
www.Avila.edu
or
[email protected]
Poet-in-Residence “I always said that if I made it to
Instructor of English at Avila University, and a eighty'five, I would retire then.”
Kansas City, MO, native, Stanley Banks is a recog-
nizedpoetandwinnerofthe 1981 Langston Hughes SisterEllenwhenannouncingherretirementon
her85th birthday.
Prize forhisbookofpoems, OnAlley Way.
Raised in a poor inner city family, Banks con- Srs. Ellen Marie Gavin,
siders teaching at Avila his dream occupation and Marie Georgette
“a fulfillment of the
Eschbacher,
American potential,” and
honors “working with and Marie Tucker, and
instmcting a diverse group
of bright students.” His Teresa Zilch retire
recently published article in
The Avila University community was sad to see the departure of
theKamosCityStar, “Outof
Sisters Ellen Marie Gavin, Marie Georgette Eschbacher, Marie Tucker,
the Blues,” remembers and
and Teresa Zilch in the spring of 2002. All four sisters made the move
gives recognition to the
to St. Louis, where they will reside at the Nazareth Living Center, the
tragedy on September 11.
retirement community ofthe Sisters ofSt. Joseph ofCarondelet.
Banks says that these
The Sisters will not only he missed for their more than 70 combined
events forced him to think
about who he is as an years ofservice to Avila, hut also for theircontribution to the character
and the atmosphere of the University.
African American citizen.
Sister Marie Harris, Provost and Vice President for Academic
He believes, “America is Affairs, said, “TheJi.rpresence oncampus reflected the importance ofcar-
the land of big hearts and
ingandcommitment, and theywere amodelofthatforthestudents.” 03
great potential.”Thisdistinguishedgentleman was
also a 1989 National Endowment for the Arts fel-
—
lowship recipient. 03
Steer Dinner An Evening of Simple
Elegance
2002 Avila University
Professor of the Year Five hundred guests dined
onmouth-wateringfiletmignon
Stephen Maynard Caliendo, Ph.D., Assistant and swing-danced to the Steve
Professor of Political Science, was honored hy MillerKCBandatSteerDinner
Missouri Governor Boh Holden during the 2002 2002, “An Evening of Simple
Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Elegance.” Serena Aernie,
luncheon on December 4- Dr. Caliendo was select- Director of Development, said,
ed for the award because of his effective teaching “We raised over $327,000 for
and advising, service to the university community, student scholarships thanks to
andhiscommitmenttohighstandardsofexcellence the generosity and support of
and success in nurturingstudentachievement. 03 our event sponsor, Mary Beth
Meyers, our corporate sponsor
BankofAmerica, and the many
friends of Avila who donated
auction items, sponsored tables,
and purchased tickets to the
event. Because oftheir support,
we raised 33% over last year's
event.”
Steer Dinner 2003, “Grade
A+ Evening,” will he held at
the Fairmont Hotel, March 29.
For more information, please Top photo:
contact Serena Aernie, 816- President Thomas Gordon with EventSponsor
Mary Beth Meyers
Lefttoright:MarieJoan Harris, CSJ, Ph.D., Provostand 501-2450. C3
Vice PresidentforAcademicAffairs; Stephen Maynard Bottomphoto:
Caliendo, Ph.D., Assistant ProfessorofPolitical Science; Honorary chairpersons DonandChristine
MissouriGovernorBob Holden Alexanderwith President EmeritaSr. Olive H
Louise Dallavis
2 • Accenton Avila • Accent 1
Colburn and Smith Publish AU
Spirited Lives
Avila College became
In 1866, ourcountry wasstartingto heal from the warbetween the States. AvilaUniversityonJuly 16,
Many people were trying to return to a sense of normalcy after seeing and 2002, with the unveilingof
hearing about too much death and destruction oftheirfamilies, friends, and the new sign and logo.
neighbors.Onegroupofextraordinarynunsjourneyedto KansasCity tohelp Three hundred guests were
in the healing process. These women came to greeted by President Tom
Gordon, Bishop Raymond
establish the first formal elementary school in
ourcity. The St. Teresa’sAcademy, led by Sister Boland, MayorKay Barnes,
and Jackson County
FrancisJoseph Ivory, welcomedchildren into its
ExecutiveKathrynShields.
doors inearly 1866. That wasjustthebeginning A
ofthe impact Catholic nuns had on our society second celebrationfor
and in our culture. students, faculty and staff
Spirited Lives is a book that recounts how was hAeld September 13,
nuns influenced the shaping of America as we 2002. tree wasplanted to
pkrnoofewssiotrtsodaaty.AvTihlea bUonoivkerwsaistyc,o-CwarriotltenCoblybutrwno canodmmeevemroyroanteewasthien\ietvedentto S^rnsn. OpliovreniLnoicuiTsaessDaolnleavtihsroawndin
and Sister of St. Joseph Martha Smith. Spirited participate in the planting. thefirstspades ofdirt.
The name change was
Lives’ documentation begins in 1816, by follow-
approved by the Avila Board of Trustees, the
ing the Sisters of St. Joseph’s journey from St.
Jackson County Circuit Court, and the Missouri
CarolColburn Louis to the restof the United States, including
Kansas City. Secretary ofState. “We believe our university sta-
SpiritedLives tellshow the sisters helped financeandadministrateschools, tus requires an evengreatercommitment to excel-
hospitals, and orphanages throughout the United States until 1920. Carol lence in education, as well as a greater commit-
Colburn concluded that following 1920, young women continued to choose ment to the Kansas City community,” said
President Gordon. 03
the religious life, despite the changing views in the American culture about
nuns. Q3
Mock Trial Team Debuts with a
Sixth Place Finish at Nationals
“When students look back and point to one life changing
experience while incollege, theyalmostalwaysreveal that they
never learned like this before,” remarks Stephen Maynard
Caliendo, Ph.D., referring toAvila’saward-winning Mock Trial
Team that worked theirway toasixth placefinish in the Parker
Division at the First Annual American Intercollegiate Mock
Trial Tournament. The tournament was held in St. Petersburg,
Florida. Avila received an invitation after doing well at the
RegMiooncaklTcroimapleitsiatiroevnitianliTzoepdepkraogeraralmietrhaint tChaeliyeenard.o has taught BJaecsksiRcoawAg(nle-rl)l:yM,elHiesastaheFrleGmrienggo,rDy,eraenkdMSotoerphheeandM,aKyenllairRdicCea,liendo.
before at Purdue University and the University of Missouri-St.
Louis. “This program is a vital tool to helpstudents learncritical Front Row (l-r):Sara Alarabi, Angie Weatherford, Margaret Henry,
andAimee McLandsborogh.
thinking, public speaking, and organizational skills that occur in
an intimate setting with attorneys, professors, and each other,”
Caliendo said. adjunct instructor, volunteered his time as the attorney-coach
Forty teams participated in two divisions of 20. The sixth ofthe team.
place finish was an extraordinary accomplishment for Avila’s In addition to the team award, Fleming received an
team. Only two of the six students who participated had ever Outstanding Witness Award.
heard ofa mock trial before last September. Caliendo asserts that, “Mock Trial lends itself to an exami-
The team of Melissa Fleming, Jessica Agnelly, Sara nation of the law from different perspectives, making it an
Alarabi, Heather Gregory, Margaret Henry, Aimee essential program at the University level to help students learn
McLandsborogh, Kelli Rice, and Angie Weatherford put in these important skills through the lens ofthe law and the trial
many long hours. Derek Moorhead, an Avila alumnus and system.” Q3
Accent • AccentonAvila • i
ACCENT ON AVILA
Golf Classic Shoots a Hole-in-One Holocaust in History
and on Stage
The 19th Annual Avila Golf Classic shot a 47% increase over last year’s
event, successfully raising $40,000. Nearly 100 golfers enjoyed a perfect 74 “Avila was right up there competing with the
degree day at the beautiful Loch Lloyd Country Club, followed by a banquet top schools in the nation: New York University,
and award ceremony.
University ofNorth Carolina-Chapel Hill, Roger
Thank you to the following sponsors who helped make the GolfClassic Williams University in Rhode Island, the
a success: University of Notre Dame, the University of
Fiorella’sJack Stack Barbecue Country Club Bank Chicago, the University ofLublin in Poland, and
DSTSystems Bob Cunningham the list goes on,” remarks Dr. Charlene Gould,
Fahnestock & Co. Otis ElevatorCompany regarding her fellowship at the Summer Institute
Jeanne ‘92 and TomOlofson Dr. and Mrs. Fritzlen on the Holocaust and Jewish Civilization at
J.M. Fahey John Bonden Northwestern University in Chicago.
Pfizer, Inc. Earl Beall Northwestern University is one of the foremost
USBank Jack and Mary ‘57 Kitchin
institutions to study the Holocaust in the nation.
Dissinger Insurance Services Muehlbach Funeral Home
“Topscholarsfromallovertheworldareflown into
Andrews McMeel Universal Bob Lewellen
teach this academic seminarstarting in the rootsof
ClarksonConstruction Great American Investors, Inc.
TheTenderloinGrill HNTB Judaism. This wasnotjust aboutNazis. Itwasabout
Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy, PC. A.J. Lutz ‘92, Lutz Business Systems understanding the psyche of perpertrators,
UPS The Capital Grille bystanders, victims, and challenging educators and
CBIZ/Robert D. O’Byrne &. Assoc. Chappell’s Restaurant researchers to dojustice to the memory ofthis hor-
Bill Waris & Associates The Daily Limit rificevent,”saidGould.
TED Systems, L.L.C. EBT Restaurant Twenty-five privileged fellows were chosen out
Coca-Cola The Fairmont on the Plaza of hundreds of international applicants to this
MountainValley SpringWater Jose Pepper’s prestigious program to pass on this legacy. “It is a
Glazer’s Midwest Kansas City Royals realprize toget afellowship; itgives the instructor
County Beverage Kennedy’s Bar&.Grill added credibility in the classroom,” said Gould.
LindaAbell Manny’s Avila is fortunate to have two fellows graduate
SerenaAemie Neal &Jeanne ‘80 Patterson from this program, Dr. Gould and Dr. Jeffrey
Bank 10 PB&J Myers, who attended the institute in the summer
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Price Chopper of2000.
Don Brain, Sr. Ricco’s Pizzeria Dr. Myersand Dr.Gouldco-teach“Holocaust in
History and on Stage.” The course was the subject
ofdiscussionofbothsummerinstitutesandreceived
veryfavorable reviews by leadingscholars and edu-
catorsofHolocauststudies. OH
Avila Professor Spends His
Summer Helping Others
Every summer, Patrick Kopp, Asst. Professorof
Computer Science, takes a group ofstudents from
hischurch on a mis-
sion trip. This year
the group headed to
Pipestem, West
Virginia, where the
six youths and five
adults battled wasps,
bees, and rainstorms
to repair a home for
a needy family.
“Personally, I have
notfoundanythingtocomparetothefeelingI had
when we all stood together looking at the ‘new’
house,” Kopp said. C3
4 • Accenton Avila • Accent
Avila Alums Enjoy New
Perks of Membership
Avilaalumni willenjoynewbenefits thanksto
Alumni Director Morten Klinte.
The new Alumni Athletic League has been
established. Alumni who apply will receive mem-
bership cards that will grant them use ofthe Avila
athletic facilities for
weight training purposes,
aswell as involvement in
the Alumni sports
leagues. Membership will
also be available to
friends ofAvila students,
staff, and the local com-
munity. There is no initi-
ationfeeformembership,
however, a minimal
monthly fee may be
charged. “We want to
invite Avila alumni back
oncampus, offeringthem an additionalconnection
to the school,” said Klinte.
The Avila Alumni Mentoring Program kicks
offin February. Thisprogram will offeralumni the Avila students recently returned from Grenada where they partici-
opportunity to get involved with students who pated in a National Science Foundation-funded summer program enti-
have majors in their particular fields of employ- tled “Research Experiences for Undergraduates.” The three weeks in
ment. It will allow students to get career advice Grenada were part ofarigorous 10-week workshop designed to encour-
and to network in professional arenas. age highly motivated students to pursue careers in science.
Other programs in the works are the Alumni This year’s project
AssociationBenefitPackage, theAvilaCreditCard, focused on the ecology ^
and a license plate program. All of these concepts ofamphibiansand rep-
/
have been brought to the Alumni Association tiles. Students exam-
Board and are now awaiting their implementation ined the interactions
intoAvila’sfuture. between two species of
For more information about these, or any lizards on the grounds ’ \
other alumni programs, please contact Morten of the hotel where the
Klinte at 816-501-2422. Q3 group stayed during 4
- r>
the trip. Catherine
nBoh1nert, a junior at ', ' •' :v •
Avila, noted that, “In
the very near future,
most island populations oflizards will be living undersuchconditions.”
Dr. Robert Powell, Professor ofBiology at Avila and Program Director,
commented that, “Although most biologists are drawn to the few pris-
tine areas that remain in the tropics, tobetterunderstand the influence
ofhuman development, we must learn more about how animals adjust
to alterations of their habitats.”
Pam Simmons, aseniorAvila student, was part ofa team that studied
interactions between ground lizards and those that generally remain in
trees, trying to determine ifactivity by the former limits feeding on the
ground by the latter.
Accent • AccentonAvila •

? ?
Dr. Benjamin Meade, Assistant Professor of Communication at Avila University,
has been the center of a great deal of attention in the press after the release
of his film “Vakvagany” (Dead End). Meade spent several weeks in Hungary
making the movie which is described as “ ... a new, exciting, and provocative
experience in the language of modern cinema” by avant-garde filmmaker Stan
Brahkage. Meade has a faculty appointment at the University of Pecs in Pecs
Hungary. Avila students have the unique experience of working with this
inventive and dedicated filmmaker and instructor. Accent recently had the
opportunity to interview Dr. Meade.
Accent: How has the success ofyourfilm affected the way you teach?
Dr. Meade: It changed my life and the way I teach. It forced me again
to re-evaluate both. Although making Vakvagany was emotionally
painful, I believe that I am a better mentor to my students as a result of
the experience.
A: Were others at Avila involved in thefilm
M: Dr. Dotty Hamilton and Susan Lawlor ofthe faculty, one student,
and two alumni were involved. Their help was invaluable. I think it
was a rewarding experience for them.
A: Recently, four students traveled to Hungary with you and taughtfilm-
making to Hungarian students. What insights do you think they gained?
M: They learned patience and tolerance by working with people who
live quite differently. I think the students now have a better appreci-
ation ofwhat do.
I
A: How does Avila’sfilm program stack up against other institutions?
M: Avilahasagiftedprogram. Weareoneofthefewuniversitiesaround
that not only employs digital technology, hut also works with motion
picture film.
A: What do you hope your students willget out ofyour classes?
M: My goal is to continue to connect the mind and heart of my students allowing them to express
themselves in their work. Critical thinking skills are paramount in real life and I believe that knowing
one’s self is imperative in the development ofcritical thinking skills.
A: As a successful experimentalfilmmaker, what do you think oftoday’s movies?
M: Most are bankrupt of originality and ingenuity. Hollywood is in the unenviable position of mer-
chandising rather than creating an artistic outlet.
A: You came to Avilafrom a successful background in thefinancialservices business. How did that happen?
M: Several years ago, my brother died and I reevaluated my life and career. Back in the 70s, 1 received
a film degree, but when I couldn’t find a job out ofcollege, I took a job in financial services. Coming
to Avila changed and continues to change my life. I bring my life experiences into the classroom and
am actively involved in what I teach. I think this brings a great deal ofcredibility to our program and
the university as a whole.
A: What is yourgoal in workingwith Avila students
M: 1 wantourstudentstohe betterconsumersofall media. Abetterunderstandingofhowmediaaffects
our lives is crucial to good citizenship and stewardship.
VAKVAGANY
Best Documentary • Santa Fe Film Festival 2002
Best of Festival Award • Southern Hungarian Film Festival 2002
Independent Filmmaker Award * KAN Film Festival 2002
Best Experimental Film * Great Lakes Independent Film Festival 2002
Best Documentary • New York Struggling Artist Film Festival 2002
www.vakvagany.com .....
4
Accent • BenMeade • 7
A
vila University has always looked to alumni and
friends in the community to help the growth ofthe
school. This has never been more important or essential
than when Avila moved to the outskirts ofKansas City
in 1963. Due to the increase ofenrollment, Avila need-
ed abiggercampus to house the existingstudent popula-
tion and todevelopfutureplanstoopenfull-time enroll-
ment to men in 1969.
The campus move to the undeveloped edge of the
city was made possible by a donation from Margaret
O’Rielly ‘18, who holds the distinction ofbeing the first
BRICKS, graduate of the College of St. Teresa. O’Rielly left
$200,000 in her estate to Avila in 1959. With this great
gift, theschool wasabletopurchase50acresandbuildthe
campus. At that time, thedonation madebyO’Riellywas
the largest gift ever received; therefore the school wanted
MORTAR, to honor herby naming the first buildingafterher.
The second building erected was Blasco Hall, the
administration building. It was also built in 1963, named
after Alfred J. Blasco. Mr. Blasco was the first layman to
AND A he the chairperson ofthe Avila Board ofTrustees. He was
the fatherofBarbara Lowry, graduate of 1958. Mr. Blasco
was the CEO ofInterstate Securities.
In addition to donations from friends and benefactors,
Avila also received funds from the United States
Government to build three structures, Marian Center,
Carondelet Hall, and Ridgway Hall.
LEGACY
Marian Center was named after Mary, the mother of
God, and was finished in 1965. That same year,
Carondelet Hall was finished and opened as a residence
center. It is named after the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Carondelet, who sponsor the university. The word
Carondelet (pronounced ca-ron-de-let) was the name of
the village outside ofSt. Louis where the Sisters ofSaint
Joseph first began their ministry in the United States.
The third structure built with government funds was
Ridgway Hall, a residence center constructed in 1970. It
was named to honor Marie Ridgway, a dear friend, phi-
g£B lanthropist, and benefactor of the University. Marie had
0^
no ties to Avila as such, hut donated because she wanted
to help young people and hercommunity.
chluMP Foyle Hall houses the chapel and the convent where a
s numberofAvilaSistersofSaintJosephreside. Builtin 1967,
Foyle Hallwasnamed inhonorofRoseFoyle. Shewasone
ofthe original founders ofthe Scholarship Sponsors.
In 1973, Avila added yet anotherbuilding to the cam-
pus, Hodes Education Center, named for Herman and
KaRose Hodes. The Hodesfamilyoftenchildren hadfive
<S • Bricks, Mortar, andaLegacy • Accent