HNU Today - Fall09

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Passion. Refoundation. Impact.
VOL. XXVI No. 2
.)44 2009
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
October 2009
O
ur 2009-2010 academic year is his-
toric. Tis fall we enrolled our largest
enrollment in history – 1160 students with
710 undergraduates and 450 in our graduate
programs. In addition, there are 395 students
living on campus, flling our residence halls
to capacity. Campus life is flled with positive
energy and vitality.
We opened this academic year with a sig-
nifcant transformation on the frst foor of
Brennan Hall. Te south wing is dedicated
to student services and student engagement,
including a student lounge which opens into
the St. Francis Courtyard and is serviced by
our popular Rosie’s Café, named after Sis-
ter Rose Emanuella Brennan. Adjacent to
the student lounge is our new Student Suc-
cess Center which includes learning support,
career services, a new Health and Wellness
Resource Center and a Center for Social Jus-
tice and Civic Engagement. Te entire wing
is artistically designed with open areas that
promote engagement and interaction.
Te north wing is dedicated to classroom
learning and faculty ofces – all of which
have been refurbished and renovated to sup-
port technologically advanced teaching, ac-
commodate our larger enrolled classes and
include areas for faculty development. A new
Technology Support Center is the featured
area of the central corridor that connects the
two wings. Te vision for that area is mobile,
interactive and transparent technology that
models best practices of 21st century teach-
ing and learning and engages teachers and
learners as active participants in the educa-
tional process. Te entire frst foor makes a
profound statement of the connection and in-
teraction that engage students in all facets of
education from formal classroom experiences,
to practical lessons in the real world, to active
participants in making a diference through
social justice and civic engagement.
Troughout the process of designing this
project we made several adjustments, most of
which were informed by the campus master
planning which was occurring simultaneous-
ly, including enlarging the classroom spaces
to accommodate our increasing enrollment,
the addition of the technology support center
and the upgrading of the St. Francis Court-
yard. Tese adjustments advanced the quality
of the project from good to superb and moved
the total cost of construction from $1.25 mil-
lion to $1.61 million. I am pleased to inform
you that we have raised to-date $1.56 million,
leaving a balance of $50,000. We are deeply
grateful to you, our alumni and friends who
continuously give of your resources in ways
that promote the highest quality education
at Holy Names University. Given your con-
tinued generosity and support, we have full
confdence that we will close the gap this
fall, successfully completing the campaign
for this transformed space. Te entire Bren-
nan Hall with renovated science laboratories
and classrooms and the newly designed frst
foor provides a dynamic 21st century envi-
ronment that reinvigorates the Holy Names
educational experience. It has deepened our
students’ enthusiasm and pride in their uni-
versity as well as their expectations of what is
to come.
We are also completing the renovations of
our McLean Chapel, including a new roof,
newly carpeted foor, acoustically enhancing
drapes and reconfgured liturgical space—all
of which provide a regenerated sacred space
for prayer and worship. In addition, we have
completed the renovations in our Public Mar-
ket, which encompasses the former Dining
Hall and Sky Room that services our resi-
dence halls.
Tis fall we are launching several new academ-
ic programs, including baccalaureate majors
in Sports Biology/Kinesiology, Intercultural
Peace and Justice and Child Development,
an academic partnership with Merritt Col-
lege. Our new Master of Arts in English: Te
Writer’s Craft ofers several tracks in develop-
ing writing skills, including creative, business
and scientifc writing and incorporates both
on-line and classroom-based learning. Our
business faculty has developed a new MBA
concentration in Energy and Environment
Management. I’m very proud of our faculty’s
continual assessment and development of
programs that provide value to our overall
Holy Names education.
When I arrived at Holy Names in 1999, I
used the term “refoundation” to describe the
pivotal moment for the university at that time.
Refoundation means standing on the ground
of this institution as if we were here for the
frst time, just like the six Sisters of the Holy
Names did when they arrived at Lake Merritt.
It means assessing our strengths and the criti-
cal needs of our world for the 21st century,
then making the best match between the two
and stretching ourselves to meet the chal-
lenges of that match. I believe that together
in these last ten years we have been “refound-
ing” our Holy Names in a way that makes
the original six sisters pleased and proud. We
have remained true to the essence of our mis-
sion and yet have transformed academic pro-
grams, educational experiences and campus
life to provide the heights of educational ex-
cellence for the 21st century and bring added
value to our world in a way that we do it best.
As we begin this 2009-2010 academic year, I
am profoundly aware that this will be my last
year as President. I enter this moment with
a consciousness of all that I will miss and a
deep sense of gratitude to all of you for all
that we have achieved in these last ten years.
I also have a tremendous hope that we have
created a new foundation for the even more
powerful future to come.
Gratefully,
Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, PhD
President
LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
Sister Rosemarie Nassif addresses the university community
at the 2009 Convocation lunch.
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Holy Names University is a private, four-year,
co-ed, Catholic university located on 60 wooded
acres in the hills of Oakland, California. An academic
community committed to the full development
of each student, HNU ofers a liberal education
rooted in the Catholic tradition, empowering a
diverse student body for leadership and service
in a diverse world.
HNU Today strengthens the shared connection
among alumni, the University and the com-
munity. The magazine is published two times a
year for the University’s alumni and friends by the
Ofce of Institutional Advancement. The diverse
opinions expressed in HNU Today do not neces-
sarily represent the views of the editors or policies
of Holy Names University.
Comments for the editor may be sent via e-mail to:
[email protected]
Or in writing to:
Holy Names University
Attn: Alumni Relations
3500 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619
Readers can also update your information online at:
www.hnu.edu/alumni/alumniUpdateForm.html
UNI VERSI TY OFFI CERS
Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, PhD, President
Dav Cvitkovic, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Stuart Koop, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Lizbeth Martin, Vice President for Academic Afairs
Michael Miller, Vice President for Student Afairs
Sr. Carol Sellman, Vice President for Mission Efectiveness
Alumni Executive Board President
Julie Echaniz ’75
Past Presidents Board President
Maura Kelly Koberlein ’84
HNU TODAY STAFF
This issue of HNU Today is directed and published
by the Ofce of Institutional Advancement:
Executive Editor
Dav Cvitkovic
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Editor
Lesley Sims
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Alumni and SNJM reporter
Sr. Carol Sellman, ’69, ’78 MM
Vice President for Mission Efectiveness
Contributing Writers
Mary Jane DeCarlo '97
Lesley Sims
Jen Slusser
Gabrielle Walter
Design, Production and Photography
Jen Slusser
Graphic Designer
)$//
Contents
2 Psychology Day: A 30-Year
Tradition
Students and faculty continue the legacy
of celebration with special presentations
on completed projects and refections
about personal growth.
4 Chapel Renovations on Holy
Names Campus
A newly-renovated chapel was completed
this summer with notable changes to the
foor of the former sanctuary, the reloca-
tion of the tabernacle and the use of the
original marble altar.
6 HNU’s New Student Center is
Open!
Brennan Hall was transformed over the
summer months into a 15,800 square-foot,
full service Student Center. Students were
greeted with a new Café, a new Technol-
ogy Support Center, wireless lounge space
and many more enhancements to support
their studies.
10 Sister Rosemarie Nassif’s Tenure
of Refoundation
A passionate leader, Sr. Rosemarie Nassif
leaves an inspirational mark on Holy
Names University during her years as
University President.
16 New Career Services for HNU
Alumni
HNU CareerLink is a new and exciting
online resource to help with job searches.
Available now for currents students and
(in December) for alumni, services include
job postings, workshops, career fairs and
more!
2 Student News
4 Campus News
6 Fundraising News
8 Hawk Sports Center
10 Main Feature
12 Faculty News
14 SNJM News
16 Alumni News
17 Class Notes; In Memoriam
21 The Last Word
On the Cover
Sr. Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, Ph.D, at the front of the Hester Administration
Building. President Nassif announced in June, 2009, her plans to retire at
the end of the 2009-2010 year.
VOL. XXVI No. 2
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10
4
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FALL 2009 | HNU TODAY 1
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A
lmost three decades ago the founder of
the Psychology Department, Sr. Paulina
Mary, began the celebration of Psychology
Day. Tanks to the continuing support of Sr.
Maureen, and now Kate Isaacson, Psychology
Day is a continuing tradition at HNU.
On May 6, seniors Lea Hansen, Raquel
Hyche, Niesha Johnson, Jeannie New-
man, Anna Mejia, Adrienne Miller, Emmy
Jamison, Erica Reed, Tinashe Spriggs, Judy
Reeves, Erica Sandstrom, and Katie Shaw
learned how they were about to become
a part of the legacy of the HNU family.

After Sr. Maureen Hester opened the evening
with the history of Psychology Day at HNU,
she passed the torch of tradition to Dr. Kate
Isaacson. Professor Isaacson introduced each
student in her senior psychology capstone
course by describing their background and how
they came to HNU. She added a special touch
to the evening by including personal refections
written by the students about their growth as
scholars. Introductions concluded with the
title of each student’s senior research project
and the unveiling of their research poster.
Tis well-attended event attracted families
(from as far as Washington State), friends and
the greater HNU community. Maria Gon-
zales, sophomore psychology major, acted as
hostess, and Chenique Jackson, junior Psy-
chology major, was the event photographer.

Te faculty, staf, students, and administra-
tors in attendance helped to make the evening
special for these students. Anastasia Prentiss,
Martivon Galindo, Jennifer Sherwood, Sr.
June Kearney, Sr. Carol Sellman, and Presi-
dent Sr. Rosemarie Nassif engaged with each
student about their research. Kate Isaacson,
Martin Lampert and Sr. Maureen Hester from
the Psychology Department extend their grati-
tude to everyone for taking the time to actively
support the HNU community scholarship.
Psychology Day: A 30-Year Tradition
E
very freshman at Holy Names University takes part in Te Con-
nections Project (TCP), or First Year Experience (FYE). Tey be-
gin their educational journey by choosing an FYE course and then
combine it with a Connections Project Lab. An interactive and unique
learning community is formed with up to 15 students, and is led by
an HNU professor who assists the students with their transition into
university life. Each year TCP is guided by a theme, and its goals are
realized through active participation in workshops, assignments and
community dialogues throughout the year.
Last year, one of the FYE projects was a campus reading of Moun-
tains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. Te book is about Dr. Paul
Farmer who sought to cure infectious diseases and whose philosophy
was, “the only real nation is humanity”. Farmer has encouraged stu-
dents to be involved in focused, service-related activities. FACE AIDS
is one such activity – a specifc disease, on a specifc continent. FACE
AIDS is a national, non-proft organization dedicated to mobilizing
and inspiring students to fght AIDS in Africa ).
Tis past April (2009),
HNU students, Bridg-
et Vasquez and Mar-
tha Dominguez trav-
eled to the University
of Oregon to attend a
conference hosted by
one of the 150 student
chapters in the U.S. and to learn from some of the most respected
and active advocates fghting against AIDS in Africa. Te conference
emphasized that only a holistic approach to the problem in Africa will
succeed. Martha and Bridget learned that there are numerous difcul-
ties to resolve at many levels of African society. Tey were made aware
that patients cannot take the medicine provided by well-intentioned
U.S. donors if they are starving, African agricultural production is
limited due to environmental factors, and there are major barriers in
the eforts to educate people.
In spite of these challenges, HNU students left Oregon with tremen-
dous hope that they could make a diference in the lives of others. Brit-
tany North, Bridget Vasquez and Martha Dominguez have already
established an HNU chapter. Tese women held a screening of “Hotel
Rwanda” and facilitated discussion with peers about the AIDS crisis in
Rwanda. In addition, they have begun fundraising and have created
promotional materials to encourage other students to get involved.
STUDENT NEWS
The tradition of Psychology Day continues at HNU.
Student members of FACE AIDS from diferent universities gather to learn and network.
Students Organize
to Build a Global Movement
2 LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
“We started FACE AIDS on
campus because it’s not fair
that some people have so little
and we enjoy so much. I knew
we had to do something.”
- Martha Dominguez '12
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Tough Economy –
Strong Enrollment Numbers
In August, HNU reached enrollment
targets for the fall semester by
enrolling over 200 new incoming
students. This is the largest incom-
ing class since 1991. Concerns about
the current economic situation had
HNU staf “cautiously optimistic”
about enrollment prospects in early
June. It’s important to note that
many students are seeking fnancial
aid and more scholarships to help
pay for their college education. The
HNU staf understands how vital
this fnancial assistance is to the
student’s and family’s decision. As
alumni of HNU know, each student
receives personalized attention in
fnding ways to make Holy Names
University an afordable option.
Throughout the enrollment process
for this fall semester, the Enroll-
ment and Admissions staf worked
very closely with prospective
students to help them achieve their
goal of a Holy Names University
education. Although the California
state budget crisis threatened to
eliminate the Cal Grant program, an
agreement was reached in July that
keeps the 2009- 2010 funding at the
same level. However, projected cuts
to future funding will mean tougher
times ahead for students in need of
fnancial support. These students
will depend even more on private
aid and scholarship support.
Building Leadership Skills –
Six Days of Self-Discovery
P
atrick Turner, a junior at HNU, and
Eric Webster, a sophomore at HNU, at-
tended the Dominican University of Cali-
fornia LeaderShape program this year. Te
LeaderShape program is “A not-for-proft or-
ganization committed to developing young
adults to lead with Integrity” and is held on
the Dominican campus in June of each year.
A cohort of 30 to 60 undergraduate students
from a wide range of universities reside at
Dominican’s campus
while building leader-
ship skills and practices
that they will utilize at
their home universities
and in their personal
and professional lives.
During the 6-day ses-
sion, Patrick and Eric
learned to identify dif-
ferent leadership styles while recognizing
and building upon their own. Patrick (mem-
ber of the Men’s Basketball team, member
of ASHNU, Junior Class President and
Resident Assistant) returned with a num-
ber of team-building exercises that he hopes
to share with the new students during the
2009 orientation. Eric, a new student to
HNU from Merritt College, hopes to es-
tablish an Athletic Leadership Organiza-
tion comprised of captains from the HNU
athletic teams. Tey both plan to use this
organization to develop student awareness,
community development, and school spirit,
all of which would greatly beneft HNU.
Te LeaderShape conference proved to be
a great success, inspiring these two HNU
student athletes to make positive changes
on campus as well as the surrounding com-
munity. Patrick and Eric hope to establish
a network to share their leadership experi-
ences with current students, faculty/staf
and alumni, further building on the legacy
of Holy Names University.
Dynamic, challenging, and exciting, the week
is intended to produce a breakthrough in the
leadership capacity of participants — benefit-
ing the students themselves, their respective
organizations, and the institutions that they
will go on to lead and serve in the future.
http://cbi.leadershape.org/
Patrick Turner and Eric Webster
FALL 2009 | HNU TODAY 3
STUDENT NEWS
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CAMPUS NEWS
Members of the campus community were invited to meetings during
the fall 2008 semester to ofer their suggestions and respond to ideas
proposed by John Goldman, a specialist in religious architecture, who
was chosen to assist with this project. John was recommended by Carrie
Rehak, Director of Campus Ministry, who was familiar with his work,
which included the renovation of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Oak-
land. Carol Steinfeld wrote an article on Goldman for the August 28,
2005, issue of the San Francisco Chronicle. In the article, his philosophy
and approach to religious architecture were described in this way:
"[Worship] is not theater or observing a musical performance. It's
about welcome and connection – with each other and the divine...
how we connect to all other things is a spiritual understanding. In
most religions, the idea of connection is central. Connection places
us in the world. When we understand how we are tied in with all
other reality, it makes us feel we have a place in the world."
Te renovated chapel provides separate spaces for the celebration of
daily and Sunday liturgies as well as space for personal prayer. Some of
the most obvious changes include the following:
• Te tabernacle has been relocated to Our Lady’s Chapel where, in
keeping with the guidelines of the U. S. Bishops’ document, “Built
of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship” (2000), the Eu-
Chapel Renovations on Holy Names Campus
E
va McLean ’50 remembered Holy Names University very gen-
erously in her bequest when she died in October, 2007. Te
McLean Chapel, named in memory of Eva and her husband, Glenn,
underwent renovation during the summer and a portion of Eva’s be-
quest to HNU was used to improve the chapel’s acoustics, eliminate
the squeaky fooring, unify the seating areas for daily and Sunday
liturgies, and beautify the interior of the chapel.
(Above) Before (Next Page) After the Chapels' renovations during the summer of 2009.
C
ampus Visit Days give prospective students an
opportunity to visit the campus, meet with
faculty, take a campus tour, interact with current
students, and feel what it’s like to be on the HNU
campus. Tis year HNU had the largest turnouts
for Campus Visit Days in its history. Te increase
in the number of attendees brings an added excite-
ment to the campus-wide events. Tese Campus
Visit Days provide a glimpse into what students can
expect from an educational experience at HNU.
Staf, faculty, alumni and current students provide
an inspiring example of the spirit of HNU for stu-
dents and their families. Tis year a record was set
with 200 people attending the Campus Visit Day
in May. For the frst time, this event required the
use of the VCPA theatre. Highlights of the day for
students and their families included the meeting of
HNU President Sr. Rosemarie Nassif, talking to
faculty about HNU’s academic programs and get-
ting a clear sense of the campus environment.
Campus Visit Days
4 LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
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charist is reserved “in a part of the church that is prominent, con-
spicuous, beautifully decorated and suitable for prayer.”
• Te foor of the former sanctuary has been made level with Our La-
dy’s Chapel and the original marble altar has become the centerpiece
of the space for daily worship. Tis provides a smaller, more intimate
setting for those who attend Mass during the week.
Two principles from the Bishops’ document guided the decisions about
the arrangement of the body of the chapel—the nave: (1) the commu-
nity worships as a single body united in faith, not simply as individu-
als who happen to fnd themselves in one place, and the nature of the
liturgy demands that the congregation as well as the priest celebrant
and ministers be able to exercise their roles in a full and active way; and
(2) the priest celebrant and ministers, together with the congregation,
form the liturgical assembly, which is the Church gathered for worship
(“Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship”).
A
bout 15 years ago, Sr. Ethel Mary Tinnemann SNJM, Ph.D.,
read an article in the Oakland Tribune about using goats for envi-
ronmentally-friendly land management. During the hot, dry East Bay
summers, overgrown hillsides are at risk for brushfres. Goats clear the
brush, star thistle and poison oak from the hillsides without disrupt-
ing the habitat —and the goats are not allergic to the poison oak, they
eat it up!! With her own money Sr. Ethel Mary contracted with Goats
R Us, a small, family owned company just starting out and got about
40 goats to graze the land.
For the past two years, Luis Guerra, Assistant VP for Facilities and
Events and Stuart Koop, VP of Finance and Administration, decided
to follow in Sister’s footsteps and continue what may soon become
a tradition. Tis past May, 1000 goats were driven onto campus in
18-wheelers accompanied by a goat herder
and border collie to manage them. Te goats
(possibly descendants of the original 40) were
let loose to graze for 2 weeks in the hills sur-
rounding the campus leaving behind marvel-
ously manicured slopes. We can't think of a
more efcient and sustainable way to manage
overgrowth issues and protect against fres
and we are delighted to share with you some
photos of these wonderful creatures at work.
Goats at HNU
Photos are courtesy of Ggisela Nass,
HNU’s Director of Adult Program Operations.
Te altar stands at the center of the gathering space and draws the con-
gregation together as one into the Eucharistic celebration.
To address the acoustic issues, the entire chapel has been carpeted,
acoustic curtains have been placed between the pillars on each side of
the chapel, and acoustic panels have been placed on the back wall sur-
rounding the doors leading into/out of the chapel. Te carpet, curtains
and panels all pick up colors from the beautiful stained glass windows.
In conjunction with this renovation, it was decided to move the Cam-
pus Ministry ofce to Founders’ Hall, adjacent to the chapel. Te work
sacristy has been transformed into the Campus Ministry Outreach Of-
fce, stafed by students who work as peer ministers. Campus Ministry
is pleased to announce that the Lowell Berry Foundation provided a
$5,000 grant in support of the Campus Ministry Student Leadership
Program. Tis program will serve both on- and of-campus communi-
ties while promoting interfaith prayer, meditation, interfaith sharing op-
portunities, and community service—a major resource to HNU's new
Civic Engagement Program.
Be among the frst to see the beautifully renovated chapel by attending
the Homecoming liturgy on October 10, 2009. Te dedication of the
chapel will take place later in October.
FALL 2009 | HNU TODAY 5
CAMPUS NEWS
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FUNDRAISING NEWS
Since the $1.25
million campaign was launched
early in 2008, the scope of the
project has expanded to include a new Technology Support Center,
a Faculty Development Center and Teacher Education Resource
Library, bringing the total cost of the project to $1.611million. HNU
has raised to date, $1.56 million leaving approximately $50,000 to
complete the campaign. HNU's donors have been the heart and soul of
this campaign, allowing us to exceed our original goal, and inspiring us
to pursue the extra mile required to complete the campaign. For further
information on how to make a gift to this campaign, please contact Dav
Cvitkovic, 510-436-1198 or [email protected]
S
tudents returning to the HNU campus to begin their fall 2009
semester were welcomed back with a brand-new Student Center on
the ground foor of Brennan Hall. Te Center is the heart and hub of
the campus and is alive with activity by all of our student populations.
During the summer months, the Hall was transformed into a 15,800
square-foot, full-service Student Center with upgraded classrooms,
faculty ofces, wireless lounge space, Rosie's Cafe, a new advanced
Technology Support Center, a wide array of student services in the
new Student Success Center and a café-style outdoor patio. Tis re-
markable accomplishment only took 1-1/2 years from conception to
completion. Te Student Center renovation began immediately af-
ter spring commencement. Starting May 18th, contractors only had
3-1/2 months to build HNU’s new state-of-the-art Student Center.
New Center Features:
• Lounge spaces with comfortable new furniture and areas that pro-
mote academic and social interaction for students, faculty and staf.
• Access to business support services such as copiers and printing to
ensure all students can meet their program requirements.
• A functional courtyard that will allow the area to be used year-
round both day and night.
• Access to services that support student success: Tutoring, Career
Services, a Health and Wellness Resource Center and a new Cen-
ter for Social Justice and Civic Engagement.
• Technology Support Center with the latest in advanced technology.
HNU's New Student Center
is Open!
6 LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
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FUNDRAISING NEWS
HNU student, Rebecca Fortelka, who is majoring in Business Marketing and Web Design, notes
that the Student Center is an excellent enhancement to campus facilities for students with dis-
abilities. Brennan Hall’s frst foor is her primary access point to the campus and the entrance
doors have been automated for easier access. Richard Sucgang "It's waaaay better than what we had before."
Rajni Disabar and Alicia Campos, both nursing commuter students at HNU, say that the new lounge is a major
improvement over the previous Brennan confguration, allowing students to study in a relaxed atmosphere that is
separate from food service and classrooms.
(Left) Laura Lyndon, Associate
Dean of Student Afairs, notes that,
"Unlike the old Student Success
Center, Brennan now ofers a big,
fuid space. The students can
congregate to study, and be right
in the midst of the resources and
help that they need. Not to men-
tion that they can pick up some
cafeine at Rosie's Cafe!"
FALL 2009 | HNU TODAY 7
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HAWKS: 2008 – 2009 Conference Champions
A
lumni, friends and family who follow the HNU Hawks already
know that the 2008-2009 athletic season was the best year in
HNU’s history. Four new conference championships were added to
the HNU record books in Women’s Basketball, Women’s Softball,
Men’s Golf and Men’s Soccer.
“Our success is pretty amazing and it continues to happen,” says
Dennis Jones ‘98, Hawk Athletic Director. “Tere’s something kind
of special about this place. Our Conference has had much success
athletically, but it is Holy Names University that continually sets
the standard for excellence. Tis past year (2008-2009) was the frst
time in the 15-year history of intercollegiate athletics at HNU in
which four teams qualifed for national competition.”
Dennis had high praise for the athletes and the coaches. ‘What con-
tinues to amaze me is the level of our students’ performance and the
quality of our coaches. Te team victories make a statement about
how hard the student athletes and coaches work. Not everybody can
get to the point that we have – not a lot of teams make it and HNU
does it year in and year out,” says Director Jones.
“There’s something kind of special about this
place... Holy Names University continually
sets the standard for excellence.”
– Dennis Jones, HNU Athletic Director
Women’s Softball
In their second year of existence, the Hawks made it into a national
tournament. In the fnal week of competition, HNU was challenged
by tough teams from Dominican University and Simpson Univer-
sity, but prevailed to split with each of these teams, posting the best
record in the conference (15-5 and 24-16 overall) in their frst-ever
California Pacifc Conference Softball Championship.
Te Hawks faced Simpson University in the Conference Champion-
ship. Te frst game slipped away with Simpson winning 4-2. In the
second game, with pressure mounting, the Hawks scored one run in
the frst inning against Simpson and then added another run in the
3rd inning, winning it 2-0 and making it one game apiece. Although
Simpson threatened in the third game with runners on second and
third in two of the later innings, HNU held tight with great pitch-
ing from freshman Stephani Fairclough and solid defense to win the
fnal regular season game 2-0 and take the frst ever Cal Pac Con-
ference Championship. Tis victory propelled the Hawks into the
National Tournament and the team attended the NAIA National
Tournament in Decatur, Alabama.
Men’s Golf
In the spring of 2008 Men’s golf coach Greg Hutton had one goal - a
return to the national championship. In an attempt to rebuild the pro-
gram, coach Hutton made academics a high priority. Hutton attempted
to make players understand that playing golf was a privilege and would
be rewarded by performing well in the classroom. So how does that re-
late to the success of the golf program? First, the players gained a better
understanding of responsibility and commitment. Second, team mem-
bers began to understand how to manage their time with such busy
schedules. Finally, these individuals started to believe in themselves.
What can be a better reward than competing in a national champi-
onship representing Holy Names University?
Te men’s golf team fnished 10th in the National Championship.
All of the players on the 2008-2009 golf team are returning and 4
very talented new players will be joining the Hawks. Te Hawks
should be serious contenders to win the national championship in
2009-2010. Special thanks to all donors who supported the fund-
raising drive to Nationals!
HAWKS SPORTS CENTER
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Women’s Basketball
Steve Spencer, honored as Cal Pac Coach of the Year, expressed his
views on the team’s success, “It’s hard to be more proud of a team
than I am of this one. Te results were directly related to how hard
this team worked. Tis group of players earned everything they got
and truly deserved every bit of success they experienced. Te jour-
ney this team went on this year was truly rewarding and enjoyable.”
When asked about his views on where the team is headed. Coach
Spencer said, “I like where the program is now and I like what these
players are about. I feel good about the direction we are headed and
I think we could experience similar success next season if we put in
the same efort and energy. It is usually harder to stay on top than
it is to get on top, and that will be our challenge this year. We are
excited about the coming season.”
The record says it best:
• 24-9 overall record
• 15-1 Cal Pac record
• Finished the season ranked #21 in the Nation
• Cal Pac Regular Season Champs and Cal Pac Tournament Champs for the 2nd year
in a row
• 9th Cal Pac Championship and 10th appearance in the NAIA National Tournament -
lost in 1st round
• Raquel Hyche and Larisa Nakasone were named 1st Team All Cal Pac
• Chelsie Kadota and Liz Widgren were named NAIA All-American Scholar Athletes
Men’s Soccer
Coach Tim Hart ‘07 had his work cut out for him when he assumed
responsibility for the team in January, 2008. He inherited a 12-player
squad, but persevered in recruiting resulting in a squad of 29 players to
launch his frst season. Te team was comprised of players from across
the United States and eight diferent countries. Tere was a 10-year age
diference between the youngest player and oldest player on the team.
Te Hawks were shaky at the beginning of the season, losing their frst
game 3-2 in overtime to a golden goal by Point Loma Nazarene. Tis
same outcome would haunt the Hawks later in their season. Te team
won their second game in southern California with a 1-0 win over Soka
University in Aliso Viejo. However, this game was followed with two
on-the-road losses to Fresno Pacifc and UC Santa Cruz.
Te Hawks gelled immediately when Conference play began with a 4-0
win against local rival Dominican University. Teir success continued
to a fnal record of 14-0 to become the Champions of the California
Pacifc Conference. Ten HNU advanced to the NAIA National Tour-
nament where only one championship team could emerge from the 32
teams who would battle it out.
Holy Names faced of with Westmont College of Santa Barbara in the
frst round, a team that had reached the National Tournament by beat-
ing the reigning Champions, Azusa Pacifc University. Tis was by far
the most intense competition all year - the Hawks playing with only 10
men after one was shown a red card by the referee. Te game went into
overtime, and then the season ended just as it began, falling 3-2 to a
golden goal in the fnal minutes of overtime.
Coach Hart congratulated his team and the coaching staf on an out-
standing and successful season. Hart stated, “I want to extend special
thanks to graduating Captain Ricky Vargas who has played his entire
four years of college soccer at Holy Names University, including two
years alongside me when I was a player for the Hawks.”
Hart has great respect for the team he coached during his frst year at
HNU and is looking forward in his second year to getting closer to the
National Championship game.
Menlo College (Atherton), Simpson University (Redding),
Betheny University (Santa Cruz), William Jessup University (Rocklin),
Pacifc Union College (Angwin), Mills College (Oakland),
California Maritime Academy (Vallejo)
For more information about CPC, go to:
http://www.calpacathletics.com
Holy Names University competes in the California Pacific
Conference with the following institutions:
HAWKS SPORTS CENTER
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FEATURE
I
n Sister Rosemarie Nassif ’s frst interview for HNU Today in
1999, she introduced the concept of “refoundation”. She explained,
“Organizations experience a dynamic life cycle similar to what we
experience as persons. Often at certain pivotal moments, an orga-
nization can be called to dramatic transformation… Refoundation
for Holy Names University means standing on the ground of this
institution as if we were here for the frst time, just like the six Holy
Names sisters did when they arrived at Lake Merritt. It means as-
sessing our strengths and assessing the critical needs of our world for
the 21
st
century, then making the best match between the two and
stretching ourselves to meet the challenges of that match.”
Nassif ’s presidency has been called transformative and historic
thanks to her inspirational leadership that has stretched the uni-
versity community to meet numerous challenges. She is credited
for program and enrollment growth with a rigorous commitment
to quality, innovation and collaboration. She led successful re-ac-
creditation reviews, multiple strategic planning initiatives, increased
external funding including the University’s largest gift to date. Over
$10 million was invested in a wide range of facilities construction
and renovation projects on campus. During her tenure, the Univer-
sity returned to stable fnancial footing with an operating surplus
over the last eight years.
Sister Rosemarie Nassif’s
Tenure of Refoundation
Sister Rosemarie Nassif participates in a pillow fght with students.
10 LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
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FEATURE
When Sister Rosemarie announced her retirement in June 2009,
she said “momentum is in our favor. Te positive results we have
achieved have created a synergy of forward momentum… I look
forward to celebrating our successes of the past ten years and mak-
ing this year a time of expressing our deepest gratitude to the many
members of our Holy Names family who have been so instrumental
in our progress, especially our major donors and friends.”
During Nassif’s 10 year tenure, HNU has experienced a profound re-
foundation that will leave a lasting legacy. It’s a sentiment widely shared
by a University community immeasurably enriched and enhanced by
Nassif’s leadership. Tanks to Sister Rosemarie's passionate leadership,
HNU has a strong foundation from which to continue its growth.
1. Dramatic increases in enrollment. Semester undergraduate growth
of 152% from 221 in 1999 to 556 in 2009. Total enrollment increased
to 1160 in 2009 – HNU’s largest enrollment in history.
2. Residents on campus have increased 235% and reached full capac-
ity in 2009 at 395.
3. Four new athletic programs were introduced growing the ath-
letic student body to 30% of the total student population. During
this ten year span, athletics achieved 5 California Pacific Athletic
Conference All-Sports Awards, 28 Conference Championships,
and 23 NAIA National Tournament Appearances.
4. Four new baccalaureate majors and four new master’s degree pro-
grams were launched.
5. Development of a state-of-the-art video conference studio that
transmits the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science
in Nursing degrees to seven hospital sites throughout California.
6. Enhanced opportunity for experiential learning with the creation
of a new Center for Social Justice and Civic Engagement to en-
hance and support national and international social justice activi-
ties and service learning.
7. HNU has gained a consistent national ranking as one of the most
diverse universities in the country. In 2008 HNU was ranked 4
th

in diversity among Masters' West universities.
8. Received a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the West-
ern Association of Schools and Colleges from 2005-2015.
9. Completed a comprehensive Campus Master Plan that charts the
future for buildings and campus climate in support of programs
and academic growth.
10. Successfully raised over $7 million in support of Brennan Hall’s
transformation featuring new science facilities, student center,
technology support center and revitalized academic wing.
11. Consistently strong alumni giving participation. Received largest
alumni gift ever of over $2 million.
12. Technological upgrades to campus promoting access and efficien-
cy, including: integrated wireless campus, implementation of Stu-
dent Information System and Enrollment Management System.
Attention to every aspect of the university’s growth
and development is a hallmark of Nassif’s presidency:
FALL 2009 | HNU TODAY 11
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T
he Center for Jesuit Education at Santa Clara University
selected Holy Names University scholar, Robert Lassalle-
Klein, to receive the Spring 2010 Bannan Research Fellowship.

For 25 years this fellowship program has encouraged scholarly activity
and enriched the intellectual life of Santa Clara University as a Catho-
lic, Jesuit University. Bannan Fellows are persons who spend one, two,
or three quarters on campus at Santa Clara as the guest of a university
department. In collaboration with other units of the university, they
engage in teaching, research, and/or other educational activities in an
area related to the mission of the Ignatian Center’s Bannan Institute.

Robert Lassalle-Klein, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and
Philosophy; Director, Pastoral Studies; Coordinator, Religious
Studies has been a dedicated member of HNU since 2003. Rob-
ert will be on academic leave from Holy Names for the spring
semester (January 1 - June 30, 2010). Dr. Lassalle-Klein will
dedicate his leave time to working on a book manuscript on in-
tercultural theology and also will be teaching and lecturing at
Santa Clara University.
Dr. Robert Lassalle-Klein
Awarded Bannan Fellowship
for Spring 2010
A
t the annual Alameda County Volunteer Recognition event
in May, Edith Jenkins-Weinrub, Ed.D., and nine HNU
students who hold master’s degrees in Nursing Administra-
tion were formally recognized by the Red Cross for their volun-
teer contributions in raising disaster awareness and preparedness.
As a part of their course curriculum, Dr. Jenkins-Weinrubs’ students
completed the Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Instructor Train-
ing. Each student then hosted a Red Cross Disaster Preparedness
training course in their Bay Area community. When asked if they
would continue their work with the Red Cross, one student re-
marked, “Of course. Te Red Cross is a great organization and their
mission of preparing communities for disasters is very important.”
Jennifer Sherwood, Ph.D., and Professor Maria Harrington were
also recognized for their pilot program with the Red Cross, provid-
ing HNU undergraduate students with professional internship op-
portunities within a community-based organization.
Red Cross
Recognizes HNU Professor,
Edith Jenkins-Weinrub, Ed.D.
FACULTY NEWS
Spring 2009 Publications “Jesus of Galilee and the Crucifed People:
Contextual Christology of Jon Sobrino Ignacio Ellacuría” in ed.,
Robert Lassalle-Klein with Virgilio Elizondo and Gustavo Gutier-
rez, Special Issue of Theological Studies on “The Galilean Jesus in
Contextual Theologies, Spring 2009“ Introduction,” Special Issue of
Theological Studies on “The Galilean Jesus in Contextual Theolo-
gies,” Spring 2009
Edith Jenkins-Weinrub, Ed.D. (third from right) and nine HNU students are recognized for
their contributions.
Robert Lassalle-Klein Ph.D., Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Te Admissions Ofce is seeking new (or returning) Hawk Students.
If you are ready to come back to Holy Names University–
or you know someone that you would like to recommend,
please contact Murad Dibbini, in the Admissions Ofce:
Call 510-436-1430, or email [email protected]
See what we have to ofer at www.hnu.edu.
Tank you.
,9:9F5"5K?
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T
hursday, July 16, was such a night at Holy Names University/
Sophia Center. We had the privilege and honor of having Sr.
Joan Chittister, OSB, as our keynote speaker for the Summer In-
stitute. Sr. Joan, one of the best-known and most powerful voices
in the American Catholic Church, spoke to us on “Contemporary
Spirituality: A Merger of Opposites.” Speaking from her interna-
tional perspective and a body of work that includes more than 40
books on contemporary spirituality and a research project with
Benetvision, she gave us “a new look at an old God.”
When I was a boy growing up in
Canada, it was often remarked that
a person of significance in our midst was
like “having Babe Ruth at the ballpark.”
Sr. Joan held the attention of more than 250 attendees in the Val-
ley Center for the Performing Arts (VCPA) during her talk. Of the
many pearls of wisdom that she shared with us, the thought that
stayed with me most was the story she told of an event that hap-
pened when she was a girl of 13 years. She was sitting in the back
of her local church and somehow she knew what her life would be;
it was a defning moment in her life.
As I left the VCPA that night, I wondered if perhaps her presence
with us had not been such a moment for many of the people in at-
tendance that evening. Somehow I think perhaps it was. It is with
this sense of gratitude that Sr. Joan was with us that night.
T
he Sophia Center opened its Summer Institute, Cosmology of
Convergence: Toward a More Mutually Enhancing World, with
a keynote address by Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB. On July 16, 2009, more
than 250 people gathered at the Valley Center for the Performing
Arts to hear her inspiring presentation “Contemporary Spirituality:
A Merger of Opposites.” Sr. Joan, a Benedictine Sister of Erie, PA,
has been one of the church’s key visionary voices and spiritual leaders
for more than forty years. She is an international lecturer and award-
winning author of over 40 books.
Opening the evening, singer/songwriter Jennifer Berezan, set a con-
templative tone with her musical composition about the feminine as-
pects of God. In her introduction of Sr. Joan, President Rosemarie
Nassif, SSND, Ph.D. pointed out that Holy Names University is a
place where convergence of culture, wisdom, hopes and desires oc-
cur; therefore, it is an appropriate place to explore this year’s theme.
Fr. James Conlon, Ph.D. echoed her sentiment, adding that “the best
minds are brought together here.”
Sr. Joan began her presentation by inviting the audience to take "a
new look at an old idea of God through a new set of lenses,” and she
discussed the convergence of ideas that lead to images of God through
the unfolding and merging of old and new beliefs, including spiritual
tradition, science, globalism and ecofeminism.
Her own spiritual journey is rooted in an experience she had when she
was thirteen years old. In the darkness of the basement of her parish
church, she experienced the pervasive, awe-inspiring presence of light.
"God lived in the light….I stay where the light is," she said.
Contemporary Spirituality: A Merger of Opposites
A Special Evening with Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB
Although Benedict of Nursia, the
founder of Western monasticism,
also saw the whole world in a ray of
light, globalism enabled Sr. Joan "to
go beyond parochialism and the im-
age of a white, male Catholic God.”
Other infuences include the writings
of the mystic, Julian of Norwich;
Benedict’
11
and New Science: quan-
tum physics, chaos, and Big Bang
theories that reveal a "limitless, un-
folding universe."
“Seek God in light," Sr. Joan said, not
in "a packaged, preconceived theol-
ogy... God created us and then we cre-
ated God,... a changing, evolving, and a totally engrossing mystery, a full-
ness of being who wishes us good.” Moreover, she said that her images of
God have changed throughout her life. “We grow into the image that we
create for ourselves…For self-understanding, we must unmask the God
that lives in our hearts,…the grandeur within us,…the spirit of life.”
To facilitate cultural change and healing in these troubled times, “a
new image of God” is necessary, one that allows contradictory ele-
ments to come together.
Sr. Joan’s life is the expression of a full engaged spirituality. She is a
powerful woman of great wisdom and self-knowledge who speaks her
truths. At the conclusion of the evening, she received a well-deserved
standing ovation from the audience.
11
Swimme & Berry 1992:227
Jim Conlon, Chair and Associate Professor
The Sophia Center at Holy Names University
Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB
FALL 2009 | HNU TODAY 13
FACULTY NEWS
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SNJM NEWS
W
ednesday, April 29, 2009, was Founder's Day—the remem-
brance of the 141st anniversary of the arrival of the frst six Sis-
ters of the Holy Names in California. Members of the drama club re-
enacted the sisters’ trip from Montreal to San Francisco and they closed
by refecting on how their lives have been impacted by the courage of
these six foundresses of Holy Names University.
Sr. Rosemarie Nassif, President, recognized the contributions that R.
H. (Rock) Logan has made to the HNU community (in memory of the
10th anniversary of his passing to new life on May 10, 1999). Rock’s
wife, Jane, was unable to attend the ceremony. In her place her good
friend, Jim Vohs, blessed a young jacaranda tree that will be planted in
St. Francis Court in Rock’s memory.
Te annual celebration always includes two special elements: the remem-
brance of those faculty and staf members who are celebrating an anniver-
sary of their hiring at HNU and the serving of strawberry shortcake by the
Sisters of the Holy Names. Tose fêted this year included the following:
5 Years: Sandra Brown (Admissions Ofce),
Nicole Greenland (Library),
Laura Lyndon (Student Afairs),
Olivia Mendez-Alm (Admissions Ofce)
10 Years: Maria Mangini (Associate Professor/nursing),
Rosemarie Nassif, SSND (President),
Elena Olkhovskaya (IT Ofce)
15 Years: Chris Patrinos, snjm (Associate Professor/history),
Julia Smith (Professor/biological sciences)
20 Years: Marilyn Goddard (Sophia Center Ofce)
25 Years: Jim Conlon (Professor/spirituality),
Luis Guerra (Campus Services Ofce)
30 Years: Jim Durbin (Associate Professor/business),
Maureen Holmes (Business Ofce)
Founder's Day 2009
Sisters of the Holy Names serving strawberry shortcake.
Jim Vohs blesses a tree planted in honor of contributions made by
R.H. (Rock) Logan
Te Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in California
honored 10 sisters on May 31, 2009 as they celebrated their Jubi-
lee at Los Gatos. Among the group, all had graduated from and
some served in ministry or resided at Holy Names. When totaled
together, their service equals 675 years of dedication to the work of
the SNJMs. Congratulations to all!
75 Years
Sr. Carletta Marie Anderson ’39–In residence 1984-1986
Sr. Mary Louise Guenther ’41 (Regina Rose)
Sr. Teresa Rose Valerga ’52
70 Years
Sr. Marygene Heller ’48 (Stephen Mary)
Sr. Emily Marie McKernan ’61–Building Coordinator/
Director of Residence 1955-1961
Sr. Mary Nessi ’60 (Mary Téophane–Music Librarian 1974-
1981)
60 Years
Sr. Frances Franey ’61 (Maria Anna)
Sr. Patricia Kenny ’51 (Mary Bartholomew)–Receptionist
in Admissions and Volunteer in Ofce of Institutional
Advancement 1998-2004
Sr. Juliana Lucey ’54 (Mary Aloyse–Assistant Professor
of Mathematics 1965-1969
Sr. Joan Frances Ortega ’61
14 LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
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SNJM NEWS
Dear Sister Denise,
This letter is long overdue and lengthy, but please accept my heartfelt thanks for all the risks you took on my behalf, believing as
you did in a student’s potential. The gift of yourself was a true education and the instruction was indeed in Courage.
You and others like you living and teaching in that tranquil location had the wisdom to understand that there are the fast
maturing willows growing by the river of knowledge, able to soak it up quickly; then, too, there are the oak trees that take
a much longer time to grow and come to fruition. In looking back I feel it is important to let you know how the liberal arts
education helped to prepare me for the world at large and provide the incredibly frm foundation in biology that led to a
career devoted to teaching and research. But most importantly it was the living example of you, of your brilliant mind with
unmatched intellectual integrity, the wisdom of such great depth and equanimity, matched with wonderful humor, the deep
and abiding humility, gentleness, and the care you had for all your students; those traits and, of course, the dedication to a
higher purpose that have now led me to believe I was witness to a Great Teacher. You also had an amazing faith in me when
advocating for a student whose nonacademic pursuits far outweighed any scholarship performance. To digress though, my
sojourn with you and the other teachers of excellence in that community of Power and Place, rooted in the Catholic tradi-
tion, meant we students were daily exposed to role models without disjunct between ideals and actions, people of principle
whose path had a heart of service to others and either through osmosis or overt awareness a potent lesson was there to
learn: how to live a life of moral integrity. And so we became, each in our own way, repositories of your mission statement.
Do you remember writing the letter of recommendation for me to Saint Louis University for a teaching fellowship in biology?
It must have said things like “her GPA in no way refects her potential” and “she might become a teacher if given a chance.”
Thank you for the letter and whatever its contents held as graduate school was wonderful, as long as it dealt with research on
insects. The only glitch was physics and I am quite sure that my laboratory bill was the highest ever recorded as we had to pay
for all the fuses we blew!
As chairperson of the Department of Biology, your intuition and vision concerning our curriculum was phenomenal. The
foundation I received has probably been the hallmark of my scientifc success: from Mycology to Plant Anatomy, Cell Biology
to Embryology, the Geology courses, Entomology, and, of course, all the Math and Chemistry. And, too, the core of the liberal
arts in philosophy and the arts and humanities. That broad scientifc base has allowed me to work across disciplines in col-
laboration with scientists around the world!
As to Courage, those lessons were displayed by the legions of teachers in the academic community, it was a commonly held
paradigm, and, by your own life which was before me. In my case a moral courage was expressed in action: in traveling to Selma,
Alabama, and marching with the African Americans for their freedoms; in participating in liberation struggles in Africa; in stand-
ing up to mining companies which had taken Native American’s Sacred Land and turned their “Spirit Mountain” into a cyanide
heap leach pad; in joining in solidarity with Tibetans in their right to practice their religion, culture, language, and “Life-Way.”
Those lessons or instruction in courage were extremely important and timely as they helped to defne a person’s humanity.
The courage it must have taken to live your own life—to “just do it”—became a beacon and a catalyst for my own, as there is
nothing more powerful in the world than the example of a human being endowed with moral courage! Thank you, Sister Denise
Madeleine Ploux, for knowing: “Don’t push the river; it fows by itself”!
Sincerely,
Professor Elizabeth McClain
SISTER DENISE MADELEINE PLOUX
A Tribute to a Wonderful Teacher
Following a recent visit to her alma mater, Elizabeth (Liz) McClain ’64 wrote to Sr. Nancy
Teskey ’68 and Sr. Jo Anne Quinlivan ’60 expressing her gratitude that the “spirit” of Holy
Names has not changed through the years and desiring to share how she was empowered and
transformed by internalizing the HNU mission. She does so in a letter written to Sister Denise
Madeleine Ploux, excerpts of which are shared here.
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A
re you a Holy Names alum who is conducting a job search?
Changing careers? Re-entering the workforce? Contemplating
graduate school? Want to support fellow alums with their job search?
Te HNU Ofce of Career Services provides career development
assistance to all Holy Names students and alumni, free of charge.
Take a look at what we have to ofer:
Online Resources
HNU CareerLink is a new and exciting online resource for students
and alumni. Scheduled to be accessible for alumni in December,
HNU CareerLink has many great features to assist you with your
job searches. Registration is secure and free of charge. With HNU
CareerLink you will be able to:
• access job postings and apply for jobs online
• upload your resume to be accessible to potential employers
• browse our employer profles database with online employer pro-
fles and company contact information
• register for workshops, information sessions, career fairs and more!
See the HNU website at www.hnu.edu/studentLife/careerSuccess.html
to fnd out when this fantastic new resource is available for alumni!
Career Counseling
Assistant Director of Student Success and Career Counselor, Lori
Moskal, is available by appointment for resume reviews/updates, in-
terview preparation, career counseling, networking assistance and
graduate school planning. Please call 510-436-1419 for more infor-
mation or to schedule an appointment.
Alumni Networking and Mentoring
Holy Names graduates are working at many wonderful organizations
throughout the Bay area and beyond. Te HNU Ofce of Career Ser-
vices, in connection with the Alumni Relations Ofce, would like to
develop our database of those willing to share career information with
students and network with other alumni. We are striving to develop
links between alumni in established careers and those seeking their
frst career as well as those who are currently seeking employment.
If you are interested in networking, would like to mentor students
or if you would be interested in speaking at one of our campus in-
formation sessions, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us
at [email protected]. To learn more about the available resources
through Career Services, please visit the career services website or
call 510- 436-1580. We’re here for you!
New Career Services
for HNU Alumni
An HNU student tests out a beta version of the upcoming CareerLink in the Career Services center.
ALUMNI NEWS
HNU students are provided with many opportunities throughout the year to network with
alumni at the annual career fair.
16 LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
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Class Notes
’05 Luvimin J. Cuevas is in his eighth
year with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
of Alameda County ministering with and for
the needy, marginalized, and God’s poor. Te
Society, its members and volunteers live out
their faith and fulfll the Gospel passages of
Matthew 25.
’96 Elizabeth Mokalla Spencer and her
husband, Michael, joyously announce the birth
of their second child, Daniel Richard – born
March 3, 2009. Te couple also celebrated
their sixth wedding anniversary in June '09.
’95 Aimee Duquette Luter recently passed
the National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards and is still working in Bakersfeld.
’93 Kim Hyde-McGlothen (’02, MBA)
writes “On August 2, 2008 I united in holy
matrimony with Dartagnan McGlothen aka
“Chuck." We were wed at HNU's McLean
Chapel. My husband and I are now proud par-
ents of Baby Darius King McGlothen, born on
July 30, 2009, weighing 6 pounds, 12 oz. at
Alta Bates Hospital, Berkeley, CA. Please keep
my family in your prayers”
‘84 Cyndi DePoyster Casner writes “On
October 22, 2008, my husband Dennis and
I bought our frst home in El Dorado (histori-
cally Mud Springs, a Pony Express Rest Stop),
just West of Placerville on the way to Lake Ta-
hoe. It was abandoned 2 years ago and was in
foreclosure. We got a great deal but it needs a
lot of TLC. My girls, Chelsea 17 and Brigette
16, walk to Union Mine HS as we live right
behind it. It is wonderful for them, especially
for school events. Chandler, almost 12, goes to
school in Placerville and I still work as a Title
I Resource Teacher at White Rock Elementary
where I have worked for 15 ½ years. I spend
my ‘spare’ time quilting and editing/designing
educational materials for teachers and thera-
pists wanting to publish their work. Bridgette
and Chelsea are also part of my little endeavor;
Brigette does web design and Chelsea does
art work. Chandler is fnishing his First Class
rank in Boy Scouts and has recently fnished
his frst merit badge in Forestry. Dennis is now
a District Executive for Boy Scouts of America
as well as a volunteer in our son’s troop. I look
forward to Homecoming this year. It will be a
blast to see some familiar faces and I want to
bring my girls to show them where I went to
college.”
’73 Barbara Witt Garcia writes “Jaime and
I have retired to Pine Grove, California and are
loving our new “tree” house!”
’69 Laura Mendes Moore Her husband
James was killed in an auto accident August
2007. James, son #1, was ordained a priest in
the Dominican Order in May 2008. Antho-
ny, son #2, is employed on the family farm in
Riverdale, CA. She is retired from Coalinga-
Huron Unifed School District.
‘63 Clara George is fnally a grandmother.
Emily Clare arrived on Valentine’s Day.
‘59 Mary Ellen Redondo Chavez is a re-
tired 8th grade teacher, married for 46 years,
has 8 children, 20 grandchildren and 6 great-
grandchildren, and loved Holy Names!
‘52 Joanne Cabitto Sciarone writes “Since
the death of my husband, Rinaldo, I some-
times fnd myself in a state of despair. Fortu-
nately, I have an amazing daughter Elisa Anne
Sciaroni, class of ’93, and two adorable grand-
children, Aurelie, age 8, and Massimo, age 6.
Tey have helped me so much in my time of
need. Sometimes a simple little song or a hug
or a kiss makes everyone feel better.”
’51 Dolores Walters writes “At St. Clements
Church we have just completed our 20th year
of SPRED (Special Religious Education for
Mentally Challenged). As a catechist and Par-
ish Chair, I fnd it such a beautifully fulflling
ministry. We have many centers in the Oak-
land Diocese.”
’39 Estelle Ricchiuto wrote and published
a book entitled Sugar Tramp Chronicles. It is
based on letters her mother and father wrote
before their marriage and letters to her family
after their marriage. Her father studied sugar
technology at Louisiana State University and
went to Hawaii to work. After almost three
years of letters, he was fnally able to return to
Louisiana and marry his sweetheart. Tey lived
on 3 diferent islands before more ‘adventures’
that took them to California, Mexico, San Di-
ego, Crockett and Concord. Estelle is looking
forward to her 70th class reunion this year.
Rev. William Roche, MA ‘89, June 21, 2002
Marie Espe Clary ‘44, February 23, 2005
Joann Valdez ‘79, December 25, 2007
Marianne 'Dixie' Jurasek ‘39, September 16, 2007
Shirley DeAndre Temen ‘51, July 3, 2008
Wallace Prater (husband of Vivian M. Prater ’96)
June 22, 2008
Carmel Jacklin Hall ‘54, December 27, 2008
William Takacs (husband of Telma Pfeifer Takacs
’71) February 12, 2009
James Francis Cogorno (father of Janet Cogorno
’63) March 23, 2009
Shirley McNair (mother of Delores McNair ’79)
Margaret Nicholson, SNJM (former librarian at
HNU) February 21, 2009
Jose Hobday,OFM (former Sophia Center faculty
member) April 5, 2009
Mona McDaniel ’37 , April 18, 2009
Grace Mary Whitby Lawrence (mother of Sue
Lawrence ’66) April 23, 2009
Teresa V. Towey ’55 (sister of Patricia Towey Ham
’54) April 28, 2009
Elizabeth Anne Tiercof (granddaughter of Noreen
Erreca Tiercof ’42)
Helen Markov, SNJM ’66 (Sr. M. Teresa Helen)
May 2, 2009
Eleanor Heide ‘61, May 10, 2009
Constance Constantino, PBVM, ’45 (Sr. Mary
Paul) May 12, 2009
Rosario Maria Asturias, SNJM ’36 (Esther Marie,
former HNU faculty) May 13, 2009
Robert Joseph Foley (friend) May 16, 2009
Diane Denke, SNJM ’65 (Sr. Marian Virginia)
May 17, 2009
Virginia Robles ‘88 May 23, 2009
Lorena Fragley Torup ‘51, June 1, 2009
Elizabeth ‘Bette’ Micke Sarina ‘57, June 22, 2009
Vera Gaeta Maloney (mother of Kathleen Maloney
‘64 and Susan Maloney, SNJM ’70)
Martha Bendorf, SNJM ’43 (Ann Marie)
(daughter of Madeleine Bendorf ’32 and sister of
Margaret Bendorf Callahan’48, former faculty
member at CHN)
Marian Ruth Christensen, SNJM MA ‘88, July 10, 2009
Dr. Walter Piskun (husband of Dr. Mary Ann
Piskun ’69) August 4, 2009
Edmund R. Bezdek (father of Marice Bezdek, PhD
’62) August 5, 2009
Mary Jane ‘Maureen’ Collins ‘50, August 8, 2009
I N M E MO R I A M
FALL 2009 | HNU TODAY 17 17 LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
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ALUMNI NEWS
L
orena was born and raised in Oakland. She was a graduate of
Holy Names High School and Holy Names University, where
she earned her Bachelor's degree as well as a Master's degree in Eng-
lish. She taught literature at Holy Names for several years and re-
ceived the Faculty Service Award for her outstanding service and
loyalty to the university.
Lorena Fragley Thorup ’51 B.A., ’71 M.A.
Sept. 14, 1932 - June 1, 2009
On June 1, 2009, Lorena Fragley Torup ’51
passed away in Walnut Creek at age 78,
following a valiant fght with emphysema.
These proposed changes to the By-Laws of the
Alumni Association were approved by the Alum-
ni Executive Board in the spring of 2009 and will
be voted on by the alumni association at the An-
nual Meeting October 10, 2009.
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Holy
Names University Alumni Association.
ARTICLE II - MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of this Association is to promote the
interests of Holy Names University (hereinafter,
the University) and establish mutually beneﬁcial
relations between the University and its alumni.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERS
Members of the Association shall include: grad-
uates of Holy Names University, Holy Names
College and College of the Holy Names; former
students who have formally attended the Col-
lege for at least one semester in the graduate or
undergraduate division; and those who gradu-
ated from the College of the Holy Names High
School before 1931.
ARTICLE IV - THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. Powers and Duties. The governing
body of the Association shall be the Executive
Board (hereinafter, the Board) that shall assist
the Alumni Director and the Institutional Ad-
vancement Ofﬁce in directing the affairs of the
Association, undertake those projects deemed
appropriate to forward the mission of the Asso-
ciation, and report thereon to the Association.
Section 2. Mission Statement. The mission of the
Board is to: Connect Alumni, Students, Trust-
ees, and the Community to continue the HNU
mission. The vision of the Board is to: Develop
a purpose-driven Alumni Association that ad-
vances the HNU mission to liberate minds and
transform lives and change the world.
Section 3. Composition. Members of the Board
shall include all Ofﬁcers of the Association; Di-
rectors of the Board; and the Director of Alumni
Relations and the Vice President for Mission
Effectiveness who shall serve ex ofﬁcio. Board
membership shall be as representative of the
University population as possible, e.g., WECO,
MBA, Nursing, etc.
Section 4. Size. The board shall be composed
of the Ofﬁcers of the Association and no fewer
than seven additional Members.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
Section 1. Elected Ofﬁcers. Elected ofﬁcers shall
be the President, Vice President, and Secretary.
Section 2. Elected Members. Elected Members
means no fewer than seven alumni members
who agree to a two-year term on the Board.
Section 3. Additional Appointments. When the
needs of the Association dictate, additional
members or ad hoc committees may be added
by the Board.
ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND DI-
RECTORS OF THE BOARD
Section 1. President. The President shall be the
principal ofﬁcer of the Association and shall: a)
preside at all meetings of the Association and
the Board; b) appoint, with the approval of the
Board, such additional members or ad hoc com-
mittees as required to accomplish the goals of
HOLY NAMES UNIVERSITY
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BY LAWS - FEBRUARY 2009
Lorena joined the Alumnae Bulletin staf in 1951 and went on to
become editor in 1953. She edited the Alumnae Bulletin for ten
years, was president of the Alumni Association from 1963-65, was
Parliamentarian, chaired Saturday Semester and the Alumni Awards
Committee, served as Alumni representative on the committee that
decided Holy Names should go co-ed, received the Alumni Recogni-
tion Award in 1977 and served with distinction on numerous Alumni
Boards and committees. One of Lorena’s most valued contributions
has been the Class Notes section in the Holy Names alumni publica-
tions, which she compiled and edited for over 50 years.
Lorena was devoted to HNU and her '51 classmates. She also strong-
ly supported current students, giving generously to the Class of 1951
Endowed Scholarship, the Vernon E. Louis Scholarship (which
she established in memory of her frst husband) and the Bob and
Lorena Torup '51 Scholarship. Lorena looked for ways to inspire
other alumni to become/remain active in leadership roles at Holy
Names—whatever it took. An elegant, gracious woman, Lorena had
many talents. She was a gifted writer, an exacting proofreader, and a
wonderful mentor. Life provided no shortage of challenges; through
it all, Lorena was an example of strength, good humor and courage.
Tose who knew her will deeply miss her and always remember her.
Contributions in Lorena’s memory may be made to the Robert and Lore-
na Fragley Torup Scholarship at Holy Names University.
Anne Dunlap-Kahren ’88 and Julie Echaniz ’75 contributed to this In
Memoriam.
18 LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
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ALUMNI NEWS
the Association; c) serve ex ofﬁcio as a member
of the Advancement Committee of the Board of
Trustees and other committees as needed; d)
perform other duties as deﬁned in the job de-
scription in the Board handbook.
Section 2. Vice President. The Vice President
shall: a) perform the duties of the President in
the President’s absence or as designated by the
President; b) assume the Presidency when the
President is unable to complete the term due
to death, resignation, or incapacity; c) perform
other duties as deﬁned in the job description in
the Board handbook.
Section 3. Secretary. The Secretary shall: a) re-
cord accurate minutes of all meetings of the As-
sociation and the Board; b) maintain such min-
utes in a secure and orderly fashion; c) perform
the duties of the President and Vice President in
the President’s and Vice President’s absence; d)
assume the Presidency when both the President
and Vice President are unable to complete their
term due to death, resignation or incapacity; e)
perform other duties as deﬁned in the job de-
scription in the Board handbook.
Section 4. Members. The elected members shall
serve in various capacities on the Board as de-
termined by the Board and the Alumni.
Section 5. Director of Alumni Relations. The Di-
rector of Alumni Relations is an employee of the
University and in connection with that employ-
ment is directed by the University to provide
staff assistance to the Alumni Association.
The Director of Alumni Relations shall assist the
Board in its furthering of the mission of the Uni-
versity, the mission of the Association and the
mission of the Board. The Director of Alumni Re-
lations shall serve ex ofﬁcio as a member of the
Alumni Executive Board and other committees
as needed.
Section 6. Vice President for Mission Effective-
ness. The Vice President for Mission Effective-
ness assists the University President in enabling
the charism, mission, and philosophy of the Sis-
ters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary to be
vital and operational in the University. As such,
this person serves as an adviser to the Board and
a liaison with the University President.
Section 7. Duties of the Board. The Board shall
direct tasks and roles that provide support for
the HNU Alumni Association and the HNU
Community, to include but not limited to:
Alumni events; board/volunteer development;
mentoring/student services; fundraising; com-
munications to alumni, friends, enrolled stu-
dents, prospective students, and administration.
Section 8. Board/Volunteer Development Com-
mittee. The Board shall designate a Board/Vol-
unteer Development Committee whose duty it
shall be to solicit candidates for election as of-
ﬁcers and members of the Board.
ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The regular meet-
ing of the Association shall be held at the annual
University Homecoming or at such other time
and place as determined by the Board.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of
the Association may be called by the President
or the Board by written notice stating the pur-
pose of the meeting and sent to each member of
the Association at least two weeks prior to the
meeting.
Section 3. Quorum. Members present shall con-
stitute a quorum.
Section 4. Ratiﬁcation. Any action taken at a spe-
cial meeting must be ratiﬁed at the next regular
meeting of the Association and will remain in ef-
fect only until that time.
ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
Section 1. Regular Meetings. The Board shall
hold at least four meetings a year at stated times
at its discretion.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of
the Board can be called by the President or by
any three Board members. The purpose of the
meeting shall be stated in the call. Except in cas-
es of great emergency, at least three days’ notice
shall be given for any special meeting.
Section 3. Quorum and Voting. Five members
of the Board present and voting shall constitute
a quorum, and a majority of those present and
voting at any meeting shall govern. The Director
of Alumni Relations and the Vice President for
Mission Effectiveness shall serve without a vote.
ARTICLE IX - NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS,
AND VACANCIES
Section 1. Board/Volunteer Development Com-
mittee. Any Board member or Alumni Member
may nominate candidates for positions on the
Board to the Board/Volunteer Development
Committee.
Section 2. Candidates. The Board/Volunteer De-
velopment Committee shall recommend can-
didates as Members of the Board. Candidates
ratiﬁed by the Board will be submitted to the
Association at the Annual Meeting.
Section 3. Notice to Members. The candidates
ratiﬁed by the Board will be announced to the
Association membership no later than two
weeks prior to the Annual Meeting.
Section 4. Election and Lengths of Terms. All
terms are for two years, beginning on the ﬁrst
day of the ﬁscal year, July 1, following the elec-
tion and shall terminate on the last day of the
applicable ﬁscal year, June 30. Rotating two-year
terms for all voting members of the Board will
be observed so current board members with
previous experience will support new incom-
ing board members. If an additional position is
ever added, per Article V, Section 3, rotation will
commence on the ﬁrst day of the ﬁscal year fol-
lowing election.
Section 5. Consecutive Terms. No person may
serve on the Board for longer than six (6) con-
secutive years.
Section 6. Presidential Vacancy. A vacancy in
the term of President shall be ﬁlled, for the un-
expired term, by the Vice President. If the Vice
President is not available, then the vacancy shall
be ﬁlled by the Secretary.
Section 7. Board Vacancies. A vacancy in any
other ofﬁce or Board position shall be ﬁlled for
the unexpired term by appointment of the Presi-
dent with the approval of the Board.
Section 8. Resignations and Dismissals. When
an Ofﬁcer or Member resigns or ceases to fulﬁll
the duties and obligations of that position, the
position shall become vacant and the President
shall ﬁll such vacancy as provided in Article IX,
Section 7.
ARTICLE X - CHAPTERS
Any group of ﬁve or more alumni voting to orga-
nize with a purpose similar to that of this Asso-
ciation and agreeing to abide by its By Laws shall,
upon notifying the Director of Alumni Relations
of said vote, and after receiving the approval
of the Executive Board, become organized as a
chapter of this Association. Each chapter must
be self-sufﬁcient, and must ﬁle with the Director
of Alumni Relations an annual report of its work.
ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendments to these By Laws may be
proposed by any member of the Association for
consideration by the Board before presentation
to the Association at the Annual Meeting.
Section 2. Proposed amendments to these By
Laws shall be made available in writing to the
members of the Association no later than two
weeks before the vote is taken.
Section 3. These By Laws may be amended by a
two-thirds vote of those present and voting at
the next regular Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE XI I - RULES OF ORDER
This Association shall be governed by the rules
contained in the current edition of Robert’s
Rules of Order, Newly Revised in all cases to
which they apply and insofar as they are not in-
consistent with these By Laws and any special
rules of order the Board may adopt.
FALL 2009 | HNU TODAY 19
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FESTI VI TI ES
ALUMNI AWARDS 2009
B
r
i
d
g
i
n
g

G
e
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
s of A
lu
m
n
i
For All Alumni
October 9 - 10, 2009
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2009
7- 8 pm             Alumni Awards Ceremony and
Musical Program
Featuring performances by
Amy McKenzie ‘99, soprano and
Alyona Marenchuk ‘06, piano
Valley Center for the Performing
Arts - Regents’ Theatre
8 - 9 pm             Alumni Awards Wine and
Hors d’oeuvres Reception
Valley Center for the Performing Arts -
Lobby
9 pm– midnight DJ Dance Party , with Mano
Featuring music from all decades
Valley Center for the Performing Arts -
Black Box Theatre
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2009
10:00 am Registration & Coffee
Bay Vista Room
10:15-10:45 am Guided Tours of NEW Student
Center (optional)
Brennan Hall
11:00 am           Mass
McLean Chapel
12:00-1:00 pm Champagne & Strawberries
Reception
Honor Class Photos
Mealey Living Room
1:00- 2:30 pm All Alumni Luncheon
Alumni Association Annual Meeting
State of the University Address –
President Sr. Rosemarie Nassif
Sky Room
3:00 pm Guided Tours of NEW Student
Center (optional)
Brennan Hall
Alumni Faculty Award
Miriam Daniel Fahey, SNJM
Professor of Spanish Emerita
For outstanding service and loyalty
to the University
Alumni Recognition Award
Nga Do ’98
For outstanding achievement
in a profession or service to
the Church community
Alumni Recognition Award
Rita Ruderman ’98
For outstanding achievement
in a profession or service to
the Church community
Alumni Recognition Award
Class of 1951
For outstanding volunteer
service and loyalty to the Alumni
Association and to the University
Register online at: www.hnu.edu/alumni
Call: 510-436-1240 Email: [email protected]
Special Alumni Recognition Award
For a lifetime of service to
Holy Names University and
the Alumni Association
Please join us as we honor our distinguished
alumna, Dr. Carol Sellman, SNJM, with this
inaugural award for her remarkable dedica-
tion and service on behalf of the University
and the Alumni Association.
7:00 pm Friday, October 9, 2009
Dr. Carol Sellman, SNJM
BA ‘69, MA ‘78
Homecoming 2009
20 LIBERATING MINDS • TRANSFORMING LIVES • SINCE 1868
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THE LAST WORD
Refections from Sister Rosemarie Nassif
What you’ll be remembered for:
When I first arrived at Holy Names, I was told that my code name on
campus was “the tornado.” I think that I will be remembered person-
ally as “high energy.” I’d also like to believe that I will be remembered
as a President who loved students, who wanted to know each one by
name and who treasured every interaction with them as well as took
seriously the trust given to her in their growth and journeys.
Most Proud:
I’m most proud that during my tenure we remained faithful to the Holy
Names traditions while transforming the university into an institution
with vitality and strength. As I reflect back, it was very smart of us to
understand that our most powerful drivers are the spirit and charism
of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
Best Day:
My best day was when we received the letter in June 2005 from the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges that we were granted a ten
year reaffirmation of accreditation, which is the longest granted and is
seldom given. Our reaffirmation of accreditation visit came at the brink
of our turn around and, although there were signs that we were making
progress, we had not yet achieved traction. The visiting team believed
that the leadership, the plans we had in place and the dedication and
commitment of the HNU community would turn the signs of progress
into the heights of success. Their belief was confirmed.
Worst Day:
In Spring 2005 a group of students sent a letter to our Trustees express-
ing concerns that were triggered by a decision to expand our Raskob
Day School into unused space in Feehan without seriously considering
student views. They made several demands, including the resignation
of the President. In response, we convened a Task Force composed of
students, faculty, staff and Raskob parents, and chaired by a Trustee, to
revisit the decision. We also convened a campus wide open forum to
hear student concerns. I acknowledged that we should have involved
students earlier in the decision making process, that I had learned a
lot in working with our students throughout this situation and that
I was proud of their passion to be engaged in decision making and
to be partners in the development of a stronger campus culture. This
open forum occurred the night before our WASC Visiting Team arrived
for their site visit on campus. Our students who met with them never
mentioned the issue and were extremely positive about Holy Names.
Throughout this experience I re-learned the power of communication
and the essence of trust. It was a precarious situation that turned into
a demonstration of the strength of our HNU community, especially in
times of difficulty. My worst day became my best day.
What you’ll miss the most:
I will miss our students. They inspire me every day and keep me young
and honest. It’s a privilege to be a part of their sacred journeys and
to visibly see them grow throughout their education at Holy Names.
I love knowing them by name, knowing their stories and interacting
with their families. Their questions, their positions, the concerns they
express always challenge the university and me. I learn more from
them than I ever do from books and colleagues. I take them seriously
and listen with my heart.
Words for your successor:
Believe in the power and the resilience of our Holy Names University
community and the tremendous generosity of our Trustees, Regents,
alumni and friends! There was never a day that I didn’t ask for 150% and
there was never a day that I was disappointed.
Retirement plans:
Nothing definite. I certainly want to stay connected to the wonderful
friends I’ve made in California who have been tremendously supportive
and invaluable in our success at Holy Names. I consider several of them
friends for life. I also would like to spend more time with my 95 year old
mother in St. Louis. Other than that, I am open and adventurous.
Final thoughts:
It’s too soon for final thoughts. We have much to achieve this year!
FALL 2009 | HNU TODAY 21
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Ofce of Institutional Advancement
3500 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619-1699
510-436-1240
www.hnu.edu
Information Sessions
Adult Baccalaureate Degree
Completion Programs
Business
Liberal Studies
Psychology
RN to BSN
Graduate Degree Programs
Business
Culture & Spirituality
Education - Credential Programs Available
English - The Writer’s Craft
Music
Nursing
Pastoral Ministries
Psychology
When: Thursday, October 29
Thursday, November 19
Thursday, December 17
Where: 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland, CA
Founders Hall, Bay Vista Room
Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm
RSVP: [email protected], 510-436-1368
Non-Proft
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Holy Names
University
www.hnu.edu
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