Koki Adasi The Key - Mount St. Mary's University
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Koki Adasi
The Key
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“History is not merely
what was and is now covered
with dust, tended with care,
perhaps, but nothing more than
a relic, a leftover. No. History,
properly known, is a key to
understanding the present,
and a blue-print for
the future.”
Rev. Daniel C. Nusbaum, Ph.D.
December 7, 1982
Mount
Magazine
Dear Fall
2018
Alumni, PRESIDENT
Parents
Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D.
VP UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Robert Brennan, C’85
& Friends, VP ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT,
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Jack J. Chielli
MANAGING EDITOR
Donna Klinger
Above my office desk hang photographs of some of the great men
and women who have visited or studied at the Mount. I occasionally EDITOR
Nicole Patterson
gaze at the images of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Babe Ruth, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower and Blessed Stanley Rother, S’63, and pray that COPY EDITOR
Joe Paciella, C’03, MBA’11
today’s students are as inspired as I am by the two saints, a martyr,
two United States presidents and numerous professional athletes WRITERS
Donna Klinger
who have trod our beautiful campus, and that they leave the Mount
Joe Paciella, C’03, MBA’11
prepared to lead purpose-driven lives. Nicole Patterson
As the story of the Mount’s history and the alumni highlighted in ALUMNI NEWS TEAM
this issue illustrate, the Mount’s faculty, staff and administrators are Kim Johnson, MBA’18
invested in finding and nurturing the excellence in every student. Kevin Kalis, C’99
Emily Myers, C’13, MBA’15
Jay Phillips, C'05, MT'08, our track and field and cross country head
coach, shares that every interaction with his professors provided CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
awareness and understanding. Jay is giving back by teaching Jamie Bissett, C'03
Maranda Buckley
student-athletes the life-changing rewards of focus, courage, Karlie Herbert
resilience, teamwork and faith. The result: The 2018 men’s outdoor Mike Miville of MM Visuals
track and field team won its first Northeast Conference track & field
DESIGN
title in 21 years and the women’s team placed third. Laura C. Moyer
We are committed to helping our students find the best version SPECIAL THANKS
of themselves. The success stories that will become the next 200 Jessica J. Whitmore, C'16
years of our history are being written today, and the early results PRINTING
are encouraging. The Mount recently was ranked as the top college HBP, Inc.
for employment in Maryland, according to Zippia, a career guidance STAY CONNECTED
organization. Our career center and the entire Mount community are Mount Magazine
working to provide enhanced career-guidance support as we help Mount St. Mary’s University
16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
students prepare to lead and serve others, as their predecessors have
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
over the past 210 years. 301-447-5366
I encourage you to turn to the President’s themagazine@msmary.edu
www.msmary.edu/magazine
Report on pages 33-44 to learn more about
this exciting moment in our history as we Change of address? Email
advancementservices@msmary.edu
stand poised for growth that will help
shape our county, state and country.
The Office of University Marketing and
Communications publishes Mount Magazine two
times a year for alumni, parents and friends of
Mount St. Mary’s University. Opinions expressed
in this magazine are those of the author and do not
specifically represent opinions of the magazine
staff or the university. Reader responses and alumni
contributions are welcome. The Mount reserves the
TIMOTHY E. TRAINOR, PH.D. right to refuse or revise comments or contributions
for style and length.
President
4 MOUNT MAGAZINE FALL 2018
Cover Story
Koki Adasi, C'04
Senior Vice President
Compass Real Estate
page 30
Contents
Features Mount
Magazine
11
IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
Departments
A Brief History of the Mount
15
MOUNT MEMORIES
06
Looking Back Through the Years MOUNT
NEWS
17
MOUNT MAKERS
46
Alumni Who Make Us Mount Proud ALUMNI
NEWS
Special Section 48
REUNION
RECAP
33 50
PRESIDENT’S REPORT CLASS
2018 NOTES
FALL 2018 MOUNT MAGAZINE 5
Mount News
Photo by: Mason Lipford, C'20
“OUR GOAL EVERY YEAR IS GOING attitude and familiarity with not only our
TO BE TO COMPETE FOR AN NEC region but the university and its culture
CHAMPIONSHIP…To do that, we’re as well,” said the Mount’s Director of
going to need everybody in this room Athletic Development Kevin Robinson Jr.,
and everybody in this community,” MAT'06. “We’re excited to see how Coach
said Dan Engelstad during a press Engelstad’s enthusiasm will energize our
conference introducing him as the fans and continue the tradition of making
22nd head coach in the storied history Knott Arena a tough place for opponents
of Mount St. Mary’s men’s basketball. to play.”
“We’re going to need the alumni. We’re
Since arriving in Emmitsburg, Engelstad
going to need everybody to rally
has been getting to know his team and
around this…because we’re going to
recruiting future Mountaineers. He has also
do something special.”
hired new assistant coaches Xavier Joyner
If the name sounds familiar, that’s and Matt Miller as well as elevated Will
because it is. As an assistant coach Holland to associate head coach and Mike
on Milan Brown’s staff from 2007-10, Wolf to director of basketball operations.
Engelstad helped coach the Mount
Engelstad’s coaching abilities will, however,
to its first ever NCAA Division I
be tested early on. While the Mount is only
Tournament win in 2008. A native of
two seasons removed from its most recent
Bethesda, Maryland, he now returns to
NEC title and NCAA Tournament victory,
Knott Arena with the goal of building
no one from that roster remains after the
on the success and legacy of former
graduations of Northeast Conference
coaches Jim Phelan, Brown and, most
Player of the Year Junior Robinson, C’18,
“We’re going to need recently, Jamion Christian, C’04.
Northeast Conference Defensive Player
everybody to rally around “We are thrilled to have Coach Engelstad of the Year Chris Wray, C’18, and Greg
this…because we’re going return to our Mount community and Alexander, C’18.
to do something special.” are looking forward to the bright future
Despite the lack of experience, he’s
of our men’s basketball program,” said
optimistic about the team that will take the
Mount St. Mary’s University Director
floor this season. “We’re excited about this
of Athletics Lynne Robinson, C'79,
Dan
group,” said Engelstad. “They’re young and
MBA'83. “In addition to his success
talented and can’t wait to get in front of
on the court, Dan has a proven track
the fans in Knott Arena. They’re hungry
record of supporting his student-
Engelstad
and looking forward to many years of
athletes academically.”
growing together.”
In 2013, Engelstad took over Division
III Southern Vermont, inheriting a
Leads Mount team coming off a 1-24 season. In five
years, he compiled a 104-34 record,
Basketball Into winning two New England Collegiate
Conference (NECC) championships, Cheer us on!
New Era while earning three NECC Coach of the
Year awards.
Visit mountathletics.com
for game schedules and
“The Mount is extremely fortunate to to grab your tickets!
have found a coach with such a positive
6 MOUNT NEWS FALL 2018
Thanks to the
Mount Community,
Men’s Soccer
Returns to Division I
IN FRONT OF THE L ARGEST CROWD ever to attend a match sons have an opportunity to play soccer for all four years at
at Waldron Family Stadium, the Mount St. Mary’s University the Mount before they graduated in 2015, I’m excited to see
men’s soccer team took the field at home on August 24 for my youngest have that experience. This is possible because
the first time in six years. While Bucknell won the sold-out of President Trainor’s leadership and understanding of the
contest 2-0, it was an important next step in the return importance of the team. He worked with us in this process and
of the Mount’s program. is the main reason Mount men’s soccer is back,” de Aragao said.
“The men’s soccer program has a proud 60-plus year history The program is important not just because of wins, losses,
at the Mount, so its return to Division I is something our goals or saves. It’s a way to help young adults learn how to work
community is very excited about,” said Mount St. Mary’s together and understand what it takes to support those around
University Director of Athletics Lynne Robinson, C'79, MBA'83. them. “Our college soccer program taught me the benefits
“It’s great for the university, our fans and most importantly, for of being part of a team, being held accountable and taking
our current and former soccer team members.” unsolicited advice,” explained Link. “The men I played with
pushed me both physically and mentally and even today I get
One of those former student-athletes who played a large role
inspired by what they’ve achieved off the field. It is important
in helping the program come back was Jeff Link, C’99. “Over
the past few years our team of alumni rejected the status quo to me that younger generations have the same opportunities.”
and focused on one common goal: relaunch our men's soccer Giving future generations this type of opportunity is one reason
program with the strength to capture an NEC Championship,” Peter Hobbs, MBA’15, decided to get involved in the program’s
said Link. revitalization. Hobbs is not your traditional undergraduate
Bringing the program back was a giant undertaking— student-athlete. In fact, he had no previous relationship to
Mount sports before he became a part-time student in the
something that wasn’t possible without the work of many
Mount’s MBA program.
in the Mount community. “The amount of alumni support
is something we've never seen before,” said the Mount’s “As a student, I started attending home basketball games on
Director of Athletic Development Kevin Robinson Jr., MAT'06. the weekends. Something I took notice of and respected about
“Reinstating the team was a collaborative effort of alumni, the Mount is its commitment to cultivating student-athletes and
parents, coaches and fans. They’re energetic and enthusiastic, sports tradition,” said Hobbs. “I saw that and wanted to see and
and really have gotten behind coach Bryan Cunningham.” experience more of it. More importantly, I wanted to share those
experiences and watch that tradition become an inspiration to
Ernani de Aragao, the parent of two 2015 graduates and a
my 12-year-old son.”
freshman who is on the team, agrees. “Coach Cunningham had
an excellent recruiting campaign, which included 15 quality Hobbs’ son plays FC premier soccer in York, Pennsylvania.
freshmen who will form the base of future success. He’s doing “He loves the beautiful game. For that reason, I had a wish to
things the right way and we’re very fortunate to have him.” see men's soccer begin again at the Mount. For my family, the
“From day one this was about honoring the hard work of return of men's soccer at the Mount is providential,” said Hobbs.
all the alumni and friends of soccer who worked tirelessly While it remains to be seen who Cunningham will recruit for the
to bring this program back,” said head men's soccer coach program in future years, he does believe in his current roster.
Bryan Cunningham. “Now we turn our focus to laying a new “We have brought in a group of players who we think can help
foundation for this program to be relevant for years to come. us compete immediately. There are a lot of moving parts to deal
We want our players to understand the history of Mount with, but we feel confident in our process,” said Cunningham.
soccer, and now help shape its future.” “We will take one moment at a time and look to improve daily.”
For de Aragao, the return of men’s soccer to Division I is a little
bittersweet. “While I would have loved to see my two oldest
FALL 2018 MOUNT NEWS 7
Mass Celebration
in St. Mary’s Chapel
National
Shrine Grotto
Turns 60 Stations of the Cross,
Good Friday
SIXTY YEARS AGO, the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady Throughout her history, the National Shrine Grotto has been
of Lourdes opened its doors to the public. More than 400,000 home to men, women and children of all walks of life. Rich, poor,
people visit the holy shrine annually and seek comfort, healing saints and sinners have crossed its threshold. Remembering
and conversion. Some pilgrims come because of their faith, this holy heritage, the National Shrine Grotto keeps alive the
while others come out of curiosity. Many seek spiritual and tradition of Msgr. Hugh Phillips, the great restorer of this sacred
physical healing for themselves or loved ones. No matter their space, who laid out a plan for its future during his 43-year
diverse reasons, almost all who come find their hearts and souls tenure as chaplain.
strengthened through prayer, the sacraments and the sacred
Many remember the National Shrine Grotto as largely
silence of the hallowed National Shrine Grotto.
unchanged since the time of Phillips. Faithful to his hope for
Pilgrims hail from nearly every part of the globe. On any given the National Shrine, expansion and renovation are necessary
day the guestbook is filled with visitors from North and South to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims brought here
America, Asia and Europe. Pilgrims hear about the National by the Blessed Mother who stands proudly in gold atop the
Shrine Grotto from friends and relatives. The number of visitors iconic Campanile. The National Shrine Grotto will proceed into
continues to grow as more and more people spread the devotion the next 60 years, carrying gladly the tradition of the past and
to Our Lady that is cultivated on Mary’s Mountain. looking forward to a bright future with hope.
JOIN US IN MARCH!
Plan your pilgrimage
Reserve your space to visit the Holy Land in March 2019. Contact Dawn Walsh at 301-447-5606 or walsh@msmary.edu.
Visit nsgrotto.org/europe-pilgrimages.html for more information.
8 MOUNT NEWS FALL 2018
Partnerships Bring Computational
Science Research Professorship
and Facility to Frederick
A COMBINATION OF SUPPORT from state government In addition, the recently signed Memorandum of
and a local research powerhouse is allowing the Mount to Understanding between FNL and the Mount will solidify their
establish an Endowed Professorship in Computational Science partnership by developing a student internship program at
and Mathematics that will integrate faculty, undergraduate FNL; a summer research experience for science, math and
and graduate research and result in the highly skilled computational science faculty members at the laboratory;
computational scientists that Maryland needs. teacher-in-training opportunities for postdoctoral trainees and
The university has received $1 million through the Maryland other scientists at the laboratory; and a 20 percent reduction in
Department of Commerce's Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative tuition for FNL employees on adult undergraduate and graduate
and raised an equal amount in matching funds to institute the degree and certificate programs housed and supported at the
professorship. The grant will also establish a collaborative Frederick campus.
technology workspace on the Mount’s Frederick campus to “This partnership opens significant doors to Mount students
support student and faculty research; fund three and faculty, while also creating teaching and learning
undergraduate research fellowships annually; and provide opportunities for employees of the FNL,” said Jennifer L.
for online laboratory access for student and faculty research. Staiger, Ph.D., associate provost, graduate, professional and
continuing education, who is based at the Frederick campus
“We envision this program will grow to become a center
and was instrumental in the formation of the FNL alliance.
of innovation and excellence that connects the university,
employers, researchers and local communities, yielding the The Maryland General Assembly created the Maryland
sophisticated computational scientists Frederick County and E-Nnovation Initiative during the 2014 legislative session to
the state of Maryland need for sustained growth and spur basic and applied research in scientific and technical
innovation,” said Mount St. Mary’s University President fields at colleges and universities.
Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D.
Through an expanded and formalized relationship with
Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., the current prime contractor
that operates the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer
Research, the university and the Frederick National
Laboratory (FNL) will work together to identify a researcher
with expertise in such areas as bioinformatics, data science
analytics and cybersecurity to receive a dual appointment at
the Mount and the national laboratory. This professor will teach
undergraduate and/or graduate courses at the university and
work up to two days a week and/or summers at FNL.
FALL 2018 MOUNT NEWS 9
BESSIE ANDREW is always ready with a warm cookie and a
kindhearted greeting for students, faculty and staff who approach
the dessert counter in Patriot Hall. When the Mount recently
celebrated Bessie’s 55 years of service, social media posts about her
remarkable achievement revealed the depth of love for this woman
whom some view as a surrogate grandmother. Among the 1,000 or
so “likes” on both Facebook and Instagram were dozens of notes of
congratulations and gratitude from alumni and current students.
Patrick Plastow, C’11, remembers that Bessie saved a special
cinnamon roll for him every morning for four years. Paulette
Anders, C’92, MBA’98, recalls that Bessie always handed out
awesome cookies and Rice Krispie treats. Mark Gatzke, C’16, calls
her “the most kind and caring person at the Mount.”
Bessie began working at the Mount during her senior year in high
school as Coad Science Hall was under construction and nearly
a decade before women were admitted. She has performed many
tasks through the years, including working in the priests’ kitchen
for 37 years, and currently is a baker for ARAMARK, the Mount’s
food service provider. “People love and remember Bessie because
she is genuine and sincere,” said Director of Dining Services
Howard Williams. “Her dedication to our students and the Mount
Everybody community is exceptional.”
Loves Bessie: Bessie originally planned to stay for a year and then study to
become a nurse. She loved the Mount community and never left,
Celebrating 55 deciding to dispense hugs instead of medical care. She has no
plans to retire “as long as my feet cooperate.”
Years of Service Bessie’s heartfelt message to the Mount community as she marks
this work anniversary is both simple and powerful: “Love you all.”
A Fisher Is
were the seminary’s rector, Rev. Msgr. from the parishes he served attended
Andrew Baker, S.T.D., seminary student the liturgy to personally witness his
Called to Serve
Danny Baxter, S'21, newly ordained Rev. ordination as bishop.
Kevin Fields, S'18, and Rev. Mr. Joseph As a seminarian, Fisher served in the
as Bishop
Salser, S'18. Air Force chaplaincy program at bases
In preparing to read the papal mandate in North Carolina and Washington
appointing Fisher as auxiliary bishop state and ministered at St. Ann Parish
BISHOP MICHAEL W. FISHER, S'90, of Washington, Archbishop Christophe in Washington. He also ministered and
auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United taught parish religious education at
of Washington, eyed at least one States, played on the new bishop’s last several pastoral posts in Hagerstown,
old friend among the celebrants name, noting that “things have not Maryland, as well as volunteered at
as he was ordained to the Order of changed since the time of Jesus. Jesus a correctional facility and a center
Bishop June 29 during a Mass at the keeps calling fishers.” for people with mental disabilities.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the That work, he said, “gives you a new
Immaculate Conception attended by In his letter, Pope Francis stated that
perspective, a compassionate attitude
about 1,000 family and friends of the Fisher is “endowed with outstanding
qualities of mind and heart” and to help people.”
1990 graduate of Mount St. Mary’s
Seminary. Bishop Barry C. Knestout, encouraged him to “make use of charity,
S’89, the bishop of Richmond, served the dean of all virtues that never fails.”
Catholic Standard photo by Jaclyn Lippelmann
as a principal co-ordaining bishop at “This is a very precious moment for
the Mass. Knestout and Fisher are me to be ordained a bishop in Mary’s
the 51st and 52nd episcopal alumni house,” Fisher said. “I beg Our Lady’s
of the seminary. continued prayers and I ask Our Lady
of Guadalupe to grant me a heart with a
Fisher noted that he and Knestout
zeal for souls.”
“have been friends since the
seminary, as a matter of fact he was If the devotion of his parishioners is any
the first seminarian I ever met.” Other indication, Fisher already possesses
Mounties there to support Fisher a zeal for souls. Busloads of people
10 MOUNT NEWS FALL 2018Feature Story
Campus in
the 1930s
In Their
Footsteps
By Donna Klinger
SETTLE INTO ONE OF THE COMFORTABLE CHAIRS IN THE CATHOLIC STUDIES ROOM
on the second floor of Phillips Library with books from the Archives that trace Mount St.
Mary’s University’s illustrious 210-year history perched on your lap. As you peruse the
historic records, let your mind see flashing images and hear the voices of the towering
greats, including two saints, a martyr, two United States presidents and a founder,
who have walked and left their indelible mark on this bucolic campus.
FALL 2018 MOUNT NEWS 11On an unseasonably warm day in U.S. President William Henry Harrison and a
October 1808, the 44-year-old Rev. John funeral march for the Marquis de Lafayette.
DuBois removed his coat, rolled up his The Mount quickly earned a reputation as a
sleeves and labored with his parishioners producer of bishops. Among early graduates
and members of the community to lay the of the seminary were John McCloskey, the
foundations of what would become Mount St. first American cardinal; John Hughes, first
Mary's University. Rather than building next archbishop of New York; John Purcell, first
to Saint Mary on the Hill, the church that archbishop of Cincinnati; William Quarter,
he had erected in the verdant grotto on the first bishop of Chicago; George Carroll, first
mountain to serve a burgeoning Catholic bishop of Covington, Kentucky; Richard
population, DuBois, a refugee from the Whelan, first bishop of Wheeling, West
French revolution and a circuit-riding priest,
Rev. John DuBois Virginia; and Francis Gartland, first bishop
located the school on the expansive plateau
of Savannah. Today, Mount St. Mary’s
at the base of the hill. The campus continues
Seminary claims 52 episcopal alumni.
to be protected by Mary's Mountain from
the north and west winds and to bask in Early student life revolved around academics
Rev. Simon
Gabriel Bruté brilliant sunshine, dappled by the shadows and religious development, with few student
from the broad belt of trees encircling the organizations. The early college limited
area. DuBois, the school’s first president, and recreation for students to Wednesday and
his small cadre of faculty, which included Saturday afternoons and condoned walking
the Right Rev. Simon Gabriel Bruté as of the grounds only. Six professors taught a
1812, offered a full and rigorous high school core curriculum that took seven years to
and college curriculum to both potential complete and offered no specialization.
clerics and local boys.
Bruté, known as the “Angel of the Mount,” A NOBLE TREE
served as teacher and pastor, as well
as spiritual director to the future saint, President John McCaffrey opened the
Elizabeth Ann Seton. Church officials Jubilee Celebration in 1858 by reflecting on
The Class worldwide sought Bruté’s counsel for he was the college’s growth: “The seed they planted
of 1880 not only lauded for his unselfishness and then—the seedling, which they nursed and
spirituality, but also his immense erudition. watered with their sweat and tears—is now
He loved nature, declaring that the “Hills indeed a noble tree, whose fruits are known,
(of Mount St. Mary’s) shall be girded about and not unhonored, throughout the world.”
with joy.” On Sunday afternoons, Mother Four years later, war came to the college
Seton, seated on her own special rock, as the Mount community heard the sounds
taught Christian Doctrine to the children of of the Battle of South Mountain. Within a
the Mountain Parish before they all drank year troops passed through the Mount on
from a neighboring spring and rambled at their way to Gettysburg. As the war raged
the picturesque grotto. DuBois and Bruté on, many students from the South left the
eventually left their beloved mountain college to join the Confederate Army. At
home to become bishops of New York least one Confederate soldier haunts the
and Vincennes, Indiana, but not before Mount, according to the ghost stories told
establishing the Mount as a university that by the late Rev. Daniel C. Nusbaum, Ph.D.,
Babe
Ruth taught the men who served selflessly to a long-time and well-loved professor and
shape the nation and the Church. college historian. The soldier, killed at
Students during this time included Dr. Gettysburg, was buried face down in an old
William Whelan, who served as surgeon well, preventing him from seeing the star
general of the U.S. Navy during the that he and his beloved had agreed to gaze at
Civil War, and renowned artist John La each night as they thought about each other.
Farge. Students were taught by nationally The spirit reportedly taps Mounties on the
renowned faculty. Early professors included shoulder, begging them to “turn me over.”
the Rev. Charles Constantine Pise, who is still The Mount’s sturdy and noble tree continued
the only Catholic priest to serve as chaplain to bear fruit in the 1900s. The crack of Babe
of the U.S. Senate; George Henry Miles, a Ruth’s mighty bat resounded on Echo Field
nationally renowned poet and dramatist; and on two occasions. Tradition holds that he
Henry Dielman, a notable composer who was was discovered in a game between his
the first person in the United States to receive team from a Baltimore industrial school
a doctorate in music. Among Dielman's many and the Mount. While the roar of the crowd
achievements are the inauguration march for no longer blows the roof off Memorial
12 FEATURE STORY FALL 2018Gym, most memorably in 1962 when legendary men’s
basketball coach Jim Phelan led the Mount to its first
NCAA Division II Championship, the whoosh of the
ball cutting through the net can still be heard during
the men’s basketball team practices in the converted
war surplus steel hangar. For more than 60 years,
Memorial Gym has stood as a reminder of the 17 alumni
who died in World War I and the 28, including three
chaplains, who were killed in World War II. At least 727
Mountaineers joined the armed forces during World War
II, 48 of them as chaplains.
The buzz of aircraft became a familiar sound during
World War II when the college combatted declining
enrollment by initiating a CAA-War Training Service
School for flying specialists. A Navy V-12 deck officers’
school was established, bringing nearly 400 men to the
empty classrooms, overseen by Rev. Carl J. Fives, who
served the Mount for more than 60 years as a student,
seminarian, faculty member and administrator. In honor
Senator President of its service to the armed forces training programs, the
Robert Dwight D. college received a 3-inch/50-caliber anti-aircraft gun
Kennedy Eisenhower from the USS Detroit—a ship credited with one downed
and one assisted downed aircraft during the battle at
Pearl Harbor. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, each
graduating class painted the gun in its own colors and
with its own slogans as part of its departing ritual.
LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES
Highlights of the sesquicentennial celebrations in 1958
were visits from Senator Robert Kennedy and President
Dwight D. Eisenhower, who gave the commencement
address. “I personally think that the traditions of the
religiously oriented colleges become more and more
important,” Eisenhower said. “…the core of the struggle
between the free and the despotic world today is that
between a religious faith and an atheistic dictatorship.
If that is true, then I can see no limits to the possibilities
of this type of college, where faith in our God is put at
the very cornerstone of all that we hope to achieve—all
America, or any one of us individually.”
This consequential year also saw the naming of the
Msgr. Hugh Phillips and the Blessed National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes as a public
Mother statue now atop the Campanile
oratory and national shrine, in the same year that Msgr.
Hugh Phillips was tapped as director and Grotto chaplain.
After overseeing the restoration of the shrine, Phillips
opened it to the public. He also added the Pangborn
Class of
1968 Memorial Campanile crowned with a 25-foot, gold-leafed
bronze figure of the Virgin Mary and other statuary
monuments throughout the grounds. In the early 1960s,
Blessed Stanley Rother, S’63, the first formally recognized
American-born martyr who refused to abandon his
faith community in Guatemala, despite death threats
and his eventual murder, helped to build the National
Shrine Grotto’s rock wall when he was a seminarian.
The Mount was “something very influential in [Rother's]
own spiritual life," said Rev. Ted Trinko, chaplain at the
National Shrine Grotto.
FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY 13Saint Teresa of Calcutta
The college expanded in the post-World War II era. Women were “STEWARDS OF THE MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD”
admitted to the Mount in 1972, and a women’s basketball team was
The Mount achieved university status in 2004, which began a new
established within two years. By the late 1970s, a women’s track team
era of academic excellence that would usher in the university’s
competed alongside the storied men’s team, with both sexes coached
bicentennial in 2008.
by the Mount’s remarkable track and field and men’s soccer coach
Jim Deegan. Deegan coached for 50 years before retiring in 2006. President Barack Obama came to campus in 2015 to speak at the
He remains involved with the track and field program as a volunteer National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. In addressing the
and just completed his 62nd season with the team. Under Deegan’s importance of service, he succinctly described the Mount’s charge to
tutelage, Peter Rono, C'92, won the gold medal in the 1500 meter run today’s students: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in
at the 1988 Olympics as only a sophomore. Other notable alumni of serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
the 20th century are Rev. Edward Flanagan, C’06, MA’08, founder of Much has changed over the last 210 years, but in the spirit of our
Boys Town orphanage in Nebraska; Rory Bourke, C’64, a songwriter founder, Rev. John DuBois, the Mount continues to graduate ethical
in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame; Michael McCafferty, C’64 , servant leaders. As Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D., the Mount’s 26th
an entrepreneur and “Father of CRM”; Dr. Bill Magee Jr., C’66, founder president, stated in his inaugural address on October 23, 2017: “Our
of Operation Smile; Fred Carter, C’69, a professional basketball faculty and staff are motivated to help our students become the best
player; Susan O’Malley, C’83, the first female president of an NBA version of themselves and prepare them to lead lives of significance
franchise, the Washington Wizards; and Paul Palmieri, C’92, founder in service to God and others….We are poised to create the success
of Millennial Media and managing partner of Grit Capital. stories that will become the next 200 years of our history.”
When Saint Teresa of Calcutta blessed the Mount with her first of The future of Mount St. Mary's University lies within the solid
two visits in 1975 to spread her message of prayer and love for Jesus foundations of its past. At the 2018 convocation ceremony to mark
Christ, Archbishop William Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, S’77, the start of the 2018-19 academic year, Vice President for Student
then a seminarian, observed: “Mother Teresa mostly talked about the Life Bernard Franklin, Ph.D., predicted early greatness for at least
vine and the branches. She told those of us who were preparing to one of the students in Knott Arena. “I believe one of you will come
become priests that we should be closely connected to Jesus–that to your significance soon after you leave the Mount—and we will
Jesus was the source of our charity, that Jesus would keep us faithful, all be amazed at your extraordinary work to God and man,” he
that Jesus would give us the ability to give of ourselves. Even as exalted. A recent example is Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, C’12, who last
callow seminarians, we sensed the wisdom of her holiness.” year became the first African-American woman to earn a residency
As the century closed, Rev. James T. Delaney, a faculty member in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
in psychology and sociology, founded the criminal justice studies Other alumni who are leading lives of significance, in both big and
program. In 1999, Mount leaders opened a satellite campus in small ways, are highlighted on pages 17-32. These extraordinary
nearby Frederick. The Frederick campus, specializing in graduate alumni are ambassadors for the university, evidence of how
and adult undergraduate programs, has outgrown its space Mount St. Mary’s faculty, administrators and staff lift students up
several times and continues to add programs to meet the needs of academically, physically and spiritually, enabling them to
Frederick County employers. contribute to the betterment of society.
14 FEATURE STORY FALL 2018Years of
MOUNT
MEMORIES
“The liberal arts are
entrepreneurship: students develop skills
and accumulate a diverse body of knowledge
that enable them to see the world holistically
and create solutions to current and age-old problems.”
PETER DORSEY, PH.D., DEAN, COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Peter Dorsey teaching writing during the first year
the Mount’s Freshman Seminar program was fully implemented.“That’s basketball in
its purest, rawest
form. That energy
and emotion
permeated the
building and brought
everyone together
in a cohesive,
festive atmosphere.
It was unbelievable.
Memorial Gym is
Mount basketball.”
KEVIN ROBINSON JR.,
MAT'06, DIRECTOR
OF ATHLETIC
DEVELOPMENT
Memorial Gym in the 1980s.
“The picture was taken in the physics lab
of the science building, Coad 216, and I think I’m talking
about some Mac computer-based physics lab activities.”
DANNY G. MILES JR., PH.D., PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY
A demonstration of computer-based physics lab activities, 1995-96 academic
year. Trudy Conway, Ph.D., from the philosophy department (black sweater,
coffee cup), John Dropp, Ph.D., retired biologist (tie, brown cardigan),
Michael Towle, Ph.D., from political science department (white pullover).
16 FEATURE STORY FALL 2018FROM PAST TO PRESENT & BEYOND
Mount Featured in
this section
Makers HEATH TARBERT, C'98
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Meet a New VRUNDA PATEL, C'16
Technical Business Integrity Associate
Generation Facebook
HUNTER OLD ELK, C'16
of Mounties Curatorial Assistant
Plains Indian Museum at the Buffalo Bill
Making History. Center of the West
DIANE TOMB, C'86
Executive Director
National Rental Home Council
JAY PHILLIPS, C'05, MT'08
Head Coach: Cross Country, Track & Field
Mount St. Mary’s University
DEVEDA COLEY, C'93
Principal
Spring Ridge Elementary School in Frederick, Maryland
RICHARD BOLTE JR., C'79
Chairman & CEO
BDP International, Inc.
CHRIS MCKENNA, C'17
Intelligence Analyst
KeyW Corporation
DEANNA DINI, C'12
Assistant Manager of Social Media
Tarte Cosmetics
REBECCA BURKE, M.D., PH.D., FAAP, C'05
Clinical Post-Doctoral Fellow of Neonatal-Perinatal
By Medicine and Molecular and Human Genetics
Nicole Patterson Baylor College of Medicine
CHLOE CAIN, C'18
Creative Entrepreneur
Chloe Cain Creative
Tell us how you're PATRICK MASTRORILLI, C'18
Cybersecurity Operator
making history. MSA Security at the Port Authority of
New York & New Jersey
KOKI ADASI, C'04
Email us at themagazine@msmary.edu
Senior Vice President
Compass Real Estate
FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY 17What is a typical day like for you? What do you
enjoy most about your work?
I oversee a diverse portfolio of issues in the
Treasury Department’s Office of International
Affairs and therefore there’s no typical day!
I really enjoy meeting with my counterparts
from finance ministries and central banks
around the world to discuss significant issues
of mutual concern—including global growth,
debt sustainability, investment levels, economic
development and financial stability.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot is the Terrace—the oldest part
of the Mount where nearly every graduate has
lived at some point or another during the last 210
years. I was privileged to live there three out of
my four years at the Mount and have many
fond memories.
How were you involved at the Mount?
I served as a resident assistant and was the
president of several student organizations,
including Delta Mu Delta, the national honor
society for business administration. These
positions enabled me to work with and lead a
The Mount taught me diverse group of students from a variety
of backgrounds.
that our lives are largely Who were some influential Mount professors
the product of our choices, or staff who made a lasting impression on you
or your education?
which must be aligned Charles Beitz Jr., DPA, then chair of the
business school, taught me many great lessons
with our faith and values in of personal and professional leadership. The
late President George R. Houston Jr. stressed
order for us to live lives the importance of thinking big and honing my
financial acumen. Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, C'74,
of significance. provided an example of mission-centered living
while exhibiting a stellar sense of humor in good
times and bad.
We thought you should know…
As a student, Tarbert won the Bishop Edward P.
Heath Allen Memorial Prize for the highest scholastic
average after four years. He was awarded the
Edward T. Hogan Memorial Prize for Pre-Law
TARBERT Studies and the Msgr. Bernard J. Bradley
Memorial Prizes for Accounting and Business
Administration. Tarbert also won the Wall
CLASS OF 1998 Street Journal Student Leadership Award. As
Studied: Accounting, International Business & Economics an alumnus, he was recognized in 2010 with
the Distinguished Young Alumni Award and in
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury,
2013 was inducted into the Academic Circle of
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Excellence Alumni Hall of Fame.
18 FEATURE STORY FALL 2018personality in the correct way—and I appreciated all his advice.
I’m extremely grateful to Assistant Professor Dr. Josey Chacko
for helping me get my job at Amazon. He was wonderful and
taught me a lot about business, case studies and how to show
and use data effectively.
How has the Mount inspired you to live significantly?
The Mount taught me to think about others first. I learned to be
Vrunda selfless instead of selfish, and I’ve noticed that in all the roles
I’ve had, and the companies I’ve worked for, I work on teams
that are integrated and tailored to the customer. Amazon was
PATEL about customer obsession and making sure the end-users
were excited and happy about their experience. Both Amazon
and Facebook have billions of users, so it’s exciting to make
CLASS OF 2016 their experience better—but it’s hard. You can’t think about the
Studied: Business & Economics and Spanish decisions you make when you get on Facebook. You must think
about billions of other people.
Technical Business Integrity Associate
at Facebook, Seattle The Mount’s emphasis on morality in making ethical business
decisions was valuable. Every day I ask myself what’s right and
wrong. It’s an awesome challenge and a heavy weight, but the
Mount gave me a lot of tools to be able to discern the difference
between good and bad—especially in a professional setting.
What is a typical day like for you?
You should be thankful
Before I was at Facebook, I was at Amazon for two years in
corporate finance and program management. This is my first
that the Mount teaches
role at Facebook, and I’m absolutely loving it. I wake up around
7:30 a.m. to get ready and watch the news. It’s important to
you how to be a good
know what’s going to be talked about on our platform. When
I get to work, I put my stuff down at my desk. Facebook has an
person. The Facebooks
open workspace; no one has offices—not even Mark Zuckerberg.
I usually go to the sixth floor cafeteria and get breakfast.
of the world could use
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and snacks are free. I spend a
lot of time on data analysis to help our engineers and business
more Mount graduates.
and sales teams understand our business—so we make correct
decisions to improve the user experience on Facebook.
What is a good user experience to you?
What activities or clubs did you participate in during your
The best user experience is defined by each individual, but I time at the Mount?
think it’s one where you get on Facebook and you get to (re)
I was a student-worker in the Sports Information Office and
connect with someone and it puts a smile on your face. It’s
spent many weekends and spring breaks in the ARCC or on the
anything that makes your day a little bit better—finding or
fields working in the press boxes. The people I worked with
seeing some form of information that you wouldn’t have known
were so much fun and have such positive energy—plus we got
unless you saw it on Facebook. It’s a seamless experience that
the best seats in the house. I cherish those moments because
you don’t have to think about.
they reminded me not to take life so seriously. I was in SGA
all four years and was class vice president in 2012 and class
What does a technical business integrity associate do? president from 2013-16. I was a freshman ambassador and
My team works on background research to understand what senior year was a student representative for Mount Council.
proactive things Facebook can do to stop bad actors. We Finally, I led the class ring design in my junior year and was
research what could be happening on our platform and find part of the mascot committee to create Emmit S. Burg.
systematic ways to get rid of them so we can improve the
overall user experience for everybody. Do you have any advice to share with current students?
When you step out into the professional world, it doesn’t matter
Who were some influential Mount professors or staff who if you went to a school people may not have heard of before.
made a lasting impression on you or your education? You should be thankful that the Mount teaches you how to be a
Clare Tauriello, the director of the Career Center, was my SGA good person. The Facebooks of the world could use more Mount
advisor for the Class of 2016 and she was a mentor to me. Ken graduates. Put your best foot forward and don’t let anyone bring
McVearry was good at pointing out how to use my strong you down.
FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY 19How has the Mount helped you live significantly?
I reflect often on the four years I spent at the Mount as a time
of both trial and triumph. It wouldn’t be fair to my mentors if
I didn’t mention how much they lifted me up—far more than
should have been asked of them. For that, I’ve made it my goal
to mentor others in my personal and professional work.
Who were some influential Mount professors or staff who
made a lasting impression on you or your education?
That is difficult to answer because many were invested in my
academic and personal growth: President Thomas Powell,
Chianti Blackmon, Ken McVearry, Joseph Enste, Dr. Michelle
Patterson, Dana Larkin Sauers and Robert Brennan, C'85.
Hunter How did your experiences at the Mount help you become the
professional you are today?
OLD ELK
I was a member of the Third Century and Native American
Scholars Program through the Center for Student Diversity and
an AMP student leader through the Office of Campus Activities.
CLASS OF 2016 Each of those programs took on an experiential leadership model
Studied: History to strengthen students in skills such as verbal and nonverbal
communication, programming, financial literacy and peer
Curatorial Assistant, Plains Indian Museum accountability. I’ve used individual skills from both programs to
at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West serve tribal communities and work with Plains Indian Museum
in Cody, Wyoming collections through programming and scholarship.
I reflect often on the
What is a typical day like for you? four years I spent at the
My job consists of the stewardship and research of Plains
Indian museum objects. In my position, I am fortunate to Mount as a time of both
work with pieces where I study and write about Indigenous
collections for the use in exhibitions, publications, trial and triumph.
educational interpretations and social media.
Making Us Mount Proud...
What's your favorite part about your job?
Old Elk uses museum engagement and social media to explore
My favorite part of my job is being able to use platforms like the complexities of historic and contemporary Indigenous
social media and facilitating tribal visits to share collections culture. She is especially inspired by the lives of Native
with descendants of people who owned those objects. We American women who lived and thrived on the Plains.
house more than 10,000 collections from well over 150 tribes Her life’s work is dedicated to their multifaceted legacies.
and bands who lived in the Great Plains region (Central
Canada-Texas). I am from the Crow and Yakama Nations, She is the 2017 Western States Arts Federation: Emerging
and we have several historic collections from both tribes so Leaders of Color Fellow and has done collaborations with
there is also a personal connection to my work. I think for my NPR. Her work has been featured in the October 2018 issue
communities, to indigenize scholarship will help reclaim our of Cowboys and Indians Magazine for “Native Nations Now”
narratives and impact the future of cultural sustainability. exhibition and has upcoming projects with National Geographic
Magazine and Filson Clothing Company. She is a collaborator,
along with six Crow women, on a forthcoming Zine titled
What's your favorite spot on campus?
“Apsaalooke Radical” and plans to earn a master’s degree in the
I was a Lower McGowan kid. Those in leadership programs next three years.
like AMP, CRUX, CSD and OSJ know how much time you
spend there. I studied abroad in the Czech Republic and
that experience, as well as political science coursework,
shaped my global view of the world. I seriously encourage Follow Hunter on Instagram @plainsindianmuseum.
academic travel.
20 FEATURE STORY FALL 2018Diane TOMB
CLASS OF 1986 | Studied: Political Science and History | Executive Director, National Rental Home Council
How were you involved at the Mount?
I played soccer, was a member of the college Republicans
and worked for a member of Parliament in London during
my study abroad program junior year. Those experiences
taught me skills I use today. As a student on work study, I
worked in the bookstore, gym, snack bar and the Rathskeller.
Those opportunities taught me the importance of being
organized and how to balance and manage multiple tasks.
Tell us about the first job you had after you graduated.
My first job out of college was at the White House
in the Office of the Vice President for then Vice President
George Herbert Walker Bush. I am convinced that having
the experience of living abroad and being a Mount graduate
greatly influenced why I was selected for the position.
What is a typical day like for you?
Most days are varied. I could be on Capitol Hill or a state
capitol meeting with elected officials and staff members
regarding issues that affect our members. I could be
recruiting new members, or I could be speaking or
participating on a panel at an industry event.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love how interesting and diverse my work is daily. I really
enjoy that I am still learning every day. Also, I am a policy
wonk, so I enjoy influencing public policy that benefits both
my members and the communities they serve.
How has the Mount helped you live significantly?
I really enjoyed the
Personally, I value the friendships and relationships I
developed while I was a student. Professionally, being
community that existed
surrounded by colleagues who had a strong faith and led
values-based lives had a significant influence on me and
at the Mount. I always
the choices I made in my career. I also had the opportunity
to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Mount
felt like I was a part of
where I observed the commitment of other trustees and the
significant impact their contributions made to the future of the
something larger.
Mount and the students it now serves.
Making us Mount Proud...
An accomplished executive and entrepreneur who founded
a D.C.-based public affairs firm in 2003, Tomb served as
president and CEO of the National Association of Women
Business Owners where she represented members on public Tomb has been an adjunct professor at Georgetown University,
policy issues before Congress and at the White House from currently serving as a commissioner on the Bipartisan Policy
2011-13. Prior to that, she served as assistant secretary Center’s Commission on Political Reform. She is also a member
of public affairs at the Department of Housing and Urban of the International Women’s Forum of Washington, D.C., serves
Development and in the White House in both the Ronald on the board of directors of MakeRoom and the development
Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations. committee at Holy Trinity Church in Washington, D.C.
FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY 21Running
THE RACE
AFTER JAY PHILLIPS, C'05, MT'08, dedicated seven He recalls that every interaction with his professors provided
years to studying at the Mount, culminating with a Master of awareness and understanding. “They all liked what they did
Arts in theology, he courageously questioned how to live out and they poured themselves into their students, athletes and
his purpose—spending many nights on the track under starry colleagues,” Phillips recalls. Bill Collinge, Ph.D., taught him to
skies looking inward and upward. He devoted early mornings love theology. “I still love it and I’m a better person, husband,
in prayer at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception where father, friend and coach because of it.” Rev. Jim Donohue, Ph.D.,
he often prayed alongside, proposed to and married his wife, guided him in how to use theology to love others more and better.
Dale Phillips, C'05. “By the time I had graduated, the Mount David McCarthy, Ph.D., gave him the confidence that he could
community put me into a particularly difficult dilemma,” he says. be successful academically and professionally. John Larrivee,
“The Mount had not only given me more than I deserved but also Ph.D., instructed him on how to give life to his prayers. Indrani
had given me more than I had the capacity to give back.” Mitra, Ph.D., taught him intellectual patience. “I still find that
tremendously helpful personally and professionally,” he notes.
During his undergraduate days, Phillips majored in theology
Phillips’ coaching mentor, Jim Stevenson, C’95, showed him what
with an education emphasis and minored in philosophy and
it means to sacrifice for your team. “When someone invests that
Latin. He single-mindedly pursued excellence as an athlete
much in you, it changes you—causes you to grow, to love and to
who ran track and field, a gifted student in the honors program
share that desire with others,” he explains.
and a compassionate resident assistant.
22 FEATURE STORY FALL 2018Tasked with how to live significantly, he had finally received the
answer: “I can give others a love greater than my own. I can strive
to give others the love of God. I can try to love my student-athletes,
my staff, my colleagues in the way that God loves them. So that’s
what I try to do.” As head coach of the Mount’s cross country and
track and field teams since 2015 and assistant coach from 2008
to 2014, he teaches students the life-changing rewards of focus,
courage, resilience, teamwork and faith.
The word Catholic means universal. “I love the challenge of
bringing such a diverse group together to strive for common goals,”
he says. With nearly 120 members, the track and field team is one
of the most diverse groups on campus. Teammates are invited to
live, love and work next to people who wouldn’t be in their natural
social circles. “Every difference they may see in a teammate has
the chance to be viewed from a common foundation, a humanizing
I’ve seen the track mold
young men and women
into excellent young men JUSTIN KIMBLE, C’20
and women academically School Record – 60m Dash
2x NEC Champion
and athletically—it’s IC4A All-East
2017 NEC Outdoor Rookie of the Year
a training ground for 2018 NEC Indoor Sprinter of the Year
more than just running
fast, jumping high and
throwing far.
foundation. They laugh with each other, push each other and cry
with each other—succeed and fail with each other; in short, they
become real people to each other,” he says of his team members.
“The growth from these encounters can’t be underestimated.”
As a result of his time at the Mount, he teaches student-athletes to
learn from everyone they spend time with—to pay attention, listen
and keep taking steps toward their best selves. In 2018, the men’s
outdoor track and field team won its first Northeast Conference
(NEC) title in 21 years, and Phillips and his staff were voted by
colleagues as NEC Coaching Staff of the Year.
Throughout his career, as a runner and a coach, Phillips says the
track is a meaningful place on campus where he goes to find solace,
joy and motivation. “My fastest race was on that track, chasing
down two teammates I knew I’d never catch. I’ve cried there, I’ve
sweated there, I’ve collapsed there—it’s stained my clothes red.”
The Bible mentions many verses about running a race: to build
perseverance, to run and not grow weary, to receive an everlasting
crown and to win the prize of a higher calling. K AYL A BARNES, C’21
“I’ve walked the lanes with athletes and friends in great and
tough times. I’ve seen the track mold young men and women into School Record – 200m Dash
excellent young men and women academically and athletically—it’s 3x NEC Champion
a training ground for more than just running fast, jumping high and ECAC All-East
throwing far.” 2018 Indoor and Outdoor NEC Rookie of the Year
2018 USATF Junior National Qualifier
FALL 2018 FEATURE STORY 23DeVeda COLEY
CLASS OF 1993 | Studied: Elementary Education | Principal, Spring Ridge Elementary School in Frederick, Maryland
What do you enjoy most about your work? Who was one influential Mount professor who made a positive
I am blessed to have the opportunity to be an elementary impact on you?
school principal. I never take my role lightly. I do not see this I am blessed to have had such a wonderful support system of
as a job, but rather my career and God-inspired mission. I have people who saw my potential and helped me believe I could truly
had the great fortune to lead at North Frederick Elementary be and do whatever I wanted. Dr. Judy R. Johnstone saw the
School for the past eight years. I got to be the principal of some potential in me and worked with me to finally, after changing my
of the best children and to have led, and hopefully inspired, major four times, decide that elementary education was the path
some of the most dedicated, knowledgeable staff as well as for me. In her office during my junior year, I told her I wanted
worked alongside a supportive community. I love that every to be a principal. She made sure I had an exceptional student
day is different and challenging and that my decisions and mentor, Becky Kerr, and strategically put me at a school with an
actions make a difference in the lives of children. influential principal named Steve Martin who ended up being one
of my strongest advocates. He supported me during the beginning
What are you looking forward to next? of my career as a teacher and principal. Johnstone shared her
passion for literature and made sure we understood how much
I look forward to my new assignment at Spring Ridge
educators impact students’ lives; she believed in me from the start.
Elementary School and heard that I will again have a supportive
community, talented staff and great students. My goal is to be
a transformational leader who makes all decisions in the best What’s your favorite spot on campus?
interest of the children. School administrators make hundreds I used to love going to the RATT. For those who graduated after
of daily decisions including personnel matters, appropriate use 1993, this was in the bottom of the student activity center and
of budgets, student instruction and discipline, school safety, was our mini night club. We would have a DJ and sometimes
community outreach, professional development, and the list goes invite outside acts to play. Derrick Claiborne, C’93, brought
on. No one day for a principal is ever the same—which makes this great entertainment—including an emerging comedian named
career so exciting! Steve Harvey.
How has the Mount helped you live significantly? What other memories stand out to you when you look back?
Mount St. Mary’s had an exceptional education program. I I met my best friend, Angel (Wrublik) Ranero, C’94, from playing
was very prepared to be a teacher in Frederick County Public softball. I participated in an awesome fashion show produced by
Schools. I was offered an open contract in December of my senior my talented friend Derrick Claiborne, C'93. From joking around
year because of the great instruction I received. The liberal and enjoying being a student with my "Mount Crew" that included
arts classes opened my mind and helped me develop interests, Tonya Jackson, C’93, Neil Becker, C’93, Sue McNamara, C’93,
including art, that I would never have explored otherwise. Dave Zehner, C’93, and Dr. Terri Bell, C’94, to learning to play
piano and playing Chops on the same piano with the talented
pianist and crew member Samuel Stone, C’93, I have so many
great memories of the Mount. I also remember going to my first
concert with other African-American Mount students (OSHA) and
seeing Salt-N-Pepa and Kid ‘N Play.
How else were you involved at the Mount?
I played field hockey, which was replaced with lacrosse. I also
played softball. Being a student-athlete requires commitment,
time management, dedication and discipline. I use every one of
these traits in my daily life.
We thought you should know…
In 2010, Coley was named a “Woman of Excellence”’ by the
Frederick AKAs and made the “Top 40 Phenomenal Women”
in Frederick. In 2015 she was inducted into the Mount’s Academic
Circle of Excellence Alumni Hall of Fame. She’s currently an
adjunct professor at the Mount. She's also in her third year of
the inaugural doctoral cohort at Hood College.
24 FEATURE STORY FALL 2018You can also read
