“To my first patient who I will never meet in life, Thank you.”

This line from second-year Marian University College of Ostepathic Medicine (MU-COM) student Olivia Smith’s poem, “My First Patient,” was submitted as a part of MU-COM’s Donor Memorial Service on Saturday, May 16.

Medical students gathered with the families of individuals who donated their bodies to MU-COM. With more than 150 people in attendance, the donors were honored with musical performances, heartfelt words and prayers, and a slideshow of photos of the donors submitted by their loved ones. During the ceremony, students also presented a rose as each donor’s name was read aloud.

“We hope that this memorial service is meaningful to both the loved ones of our donors, as well as our students, staff, and faculty who work with both donors and donors’ families. This is a moment to express our profound appreciation and respect for the selflessness of the donors and their families,” said Tafline Arbor, Ph.D., assistant professor of anatomy in MU-COM. “Hopefully, this event will help to provide a sense of closure for all of the attendees.”

Organized largely by student volunteers, the ceremony featured reflections from spiritual leaders of different faiths, including: John Shelton, campus minister of spiritual formation at Marian University; Eric Williams, hospital chaplain and seminarian of All Souls Unitarian Church; and Imam Shaker Rashid of the Alhuda Foundation.

Many students submitted letters and poetry to express their gratitude and reverence for the donors.

First-year medical student Sarah Hockley wrote, “We did not have the privilege of knowing your loved ones in life, but we were still blessed by their generosity, selflessness, and dedication to our education. Every pain we comfort, every illness we cure, and every life we might save will be thanks, in part, to them. They will be helping to change lives for the better for decades to come. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of their stories.”

Dr. Arbor explained the significance of the donations, “Bodies donated to medical science are crucial because they promote education, advance medical science, improve medical techniques, and directly improve the knowledge and performance of future health care practitioners,” she said. “This gift improves the lives of countless other individuals for generations to come.”

If you are interested in bequeathing your body to medical science in the state of Indiana, you may do so through the Indiana Anatomical Education Program housed at Indiana University School of Medicine. You can learn more about the process and requirements on the website. 

Congratulations to Cole from the entire Marian University community! We are proud to call you a Knight!


Cole Winnefeld, adopted Knight and member of the Marian University Football Team celebrated his fifth-grade graduation with Marian University teammates and Head Coach Mark Henninger on Thursday, May 28 in Bedford, Indiana.

Teammate Luke Burkhart Instagrammed a photo of the group with the caption, "Huge congrats to our teammate and brother Cole on graduating the fifth grade today! Keep up the fight big guy. #AlwaysAKnight." 

In December, as the Knights prepared for the 2014 NAIA National Championship game, Bob Kravitz, columnist for WTHR, told the Indianapolis community about Cole and his special bond with the Knights. You can read his story online.

May 15, 2015 the Inaugural Futsal court for Indy Parks was welcomed with a ribbon cutting ceremony orchestrated by a partnership between Indy Eleven Professional Soccer, SCORE, Keep Indiana Beautiful, Indiana Soccer, and the Indiana Soccer Foundation.

Futsal, similar to soccer, is a fast-paced (5 on 5) game using a small-sided, heavy ball. Originating in South America, it is played globally and has been connected with building childhood developmental skills of many world-class soccer players.

Indy has several indoor Futsal leagues already established, as the sport grows in popularity as a low cost alternative to soccer. Indy Parks Manager of Community Partnerships, Allen McClendon, Sr., knew that Futsal was a missing component of Indy Parks’ offerings but didn’t have the resources to commit to the marketing evaluation. He called Lesley Neff, Director of Educational Services with Marian’s Adult Programs, at Marian University, to get the ball rolling, so-to-speak.

Last spring, the Marian University MAP business classes were asked to put their knowledge into action and tasked with researching the potential of transforming underutilized Indy Parks’ tennis or basketball courts into outdoor Futsal courts. The process included online research as well as site visits to nine prospective parks. Students then performed visual inspections of the tennis court surfaces, noted additional park facilities and over-all conditions, and evaluated the ease of access to major thoroughfares.

Beyond the logistical considerations, neighbors and business owners surrounding potential sites were interviewed on the relevancy of bringing Futsal to the area, and whether or not the courts were in fact underutilized. Demographic information also played a role in the final recommendation.

The students’ proposal and final presentation concluded with Rhodius Park, on Indy’s inner west side, being nominated as the ideal Inaugural Futsal Court. It is one of Indy Parks’ larger parks, with four recently resurfaced tennis courts, and borders IPS 49. With a growing Hispanic population, many of the families who attend IPS 49 are already familiar with Futsal.

According to McClendon, Indy Parks is hoping to bring Futsal to more parks around the city as funding becomes available. The price tag of resurfacing a tennis court with Sports Court can be anywhere from $10 thousand to $40 thousand, depending on the condition of the existing concrete. The Rhodius Park court transformation was funded by a grant from SCORE, a donation from Indy Eleven, and support from many other community partnerships.

MAP students are able to use their life experience, contacts and aptitude for leadership to make an impact on the community through local business partnerships, such as the one with Indy Parks. McClendon expressed gratitude for the students’ time and efforts, and continually is pleased with both process and results.

McClendon makes it a habit to keep in touch with former MAP students well after class has ended, as they prove to be valuable, experienced contacts, many of whom continue to volunteer with Indy Parks, enhancing the quality of life for others.

Photo Credit: Tom Dunmore

Walk, run, or roll for a cause. Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) students have organized the Celebration of Wellness 5Kto raise money for Back On My Feet, a local organization looking to help homeless individuals get back on their feet through the discipline earned with running.

The event will kick off the WTHR Health and Fitness Expo on Saturday April 25th, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Registration is available online until Tuesday, April 21.

Last year’s inaugural race included nearly 100 runners and walkers from the Indianapolis community and raised $2,000 for the Indianapolis chapter of Back On My Feet.

"This year we are looking to build on the success of last year’s race and reach 150 participants. We have improved the course and added a lot of prizes for runners including Indy Eleven and Indianapolis Indian Baseball tickets, a three-month free membership at the Community Healthplex Sports Club, and many more," says Nevin Vijayaraghavan, a first year medical student and one of the race organizers.

Marian University medical and nursing students will also be volunteering at the health and fitness expo where they will be performing health screenings. 

May 15, 2015 the Inaugural Futsal court for Indy Parks was welcomed with a ribbon cutting ceremony orchestrated by a partnership between Indy Eleven Professional Soccer, SCORE, Keep Indiana Beautiful, Indiana Soccer, and the Indiana Soccer Foundation.

Futsal, similar to soccer, is a fast-paced (5 on 5) game using a small-sided, heavy ball. Originating in South America, it is played globally and has been connected with building childhood developmental skills of many world-class soccer players.

Indy has several indoor Futsal leagues already established, as the sport grows in popularity as a low cost alternative to soccer. Indy Parks Manager of Community Partnerships, Allen McClendon, Sr., knew that Futsal was a missing component of Indy Parks’ offerings but didn’t have the resources to commit to the marketing evaluation. He called Lesley Neff, Director of Educational Services with Marian’s Adult Programs, at Marian University, to get the ball rolling, so-to-speak.

Last spring, the Marian University MAP business classes were asked to put their knowledge into action and tasked with researching the potential of transforming underutilized Indy Parks’ tennis or basketball courts into outdoor Futsal courts. The process included online research as well as site visits to nine prospective parks. Students then performed visual inspections of the tennis court surfaces, noted additional park facilities and over-all conditions, and evaluated the ease of access to major thoroughfares.

Beyond the logistical considerations, neighbors and business owners surrounding potential sites were interviewed on the relevancy of bringing Futsal to the area, and whether or not the courts were in fact underutilized. Demographic information also played a role in the final recommendation.

The students’ proposal and final presentation concluded with Rhodius Park, on Indy’s inner west side, being nominated as the ideal Inaugural Futsal Court. It is one of Indy Parks’ larger parks, with four recently resurfaced tennis courts, and borders IPS 49. With a growing Hispanic population, many of the families who attend IPS 49 are already familiar with Futsal.

According to McClendon, Indy Parks is hoping to bring Futsal to more parks around the city as funding becomes available. The price tag of resurfacing a tennis court with Sports Court can be anywhere from $10 thousand to $40 thousand, depending on the condition of the existing concrete. The Rhodius Park court transformation was funded by a grant from SCORE, a donation from Indy Eleven, and support from many other community partnerships.

MAP students are able to use their life experience, contacts and aptitude for leadership to make an impact on the community through local business partnerships, such as the one with Indy Parks. McClendon expressed gratitude for the students’ time and efforts, and continually is pleased with both process and results.

McClendon makes it a habit to keep in touch with former MAP students well after class has ended, as they prove to be valuable, experienced contacts, many of whom continue to volunteer with Indy Parks, enhancing the quality of life for others.

Photo Credit: Tom Dunmore

Marian University is happy to announce that Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, C.S.s.R., Archbishop of Indianapolis, has appointed Father Joseph B. Moriarty as Chaplain at Marian University beginning July 1, 2015. Working closely with Campus Ministry, Fr. Moriarty will serve the sacramental needs of Marian University students, faculty, and staff.  

Marian University is thankful for the work of Fr. Robert Robeson who has served as our Chaplain for five years; a formal event will be held in the fall semester to pay tribute to Fr. Bob and welcome Fr. Joe. 

Fr. Moriarty is a priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis who has served in formation work of men for the priesthood for 17 of his 22 years in ministry. While serving in formation work he has also had regular weekend parish assignments, including at St. Paul's Catholic Center at Indiana University for three years.  

Fr. Moriarty is a native of Indianapolis and is the youngest of nine children. He grew up on the east side of Indianapolis (Little Flower Parish and Scecina Catholic High School) and attended St. Meinrad College and Mundelein Seminary. He also earned a master’s degree in spirituality from Creighton University.

Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener will speak on the education topic, “What Are We Doing to Turn Around Chronically Struggling Schools?” at a United Way luncheon for Emerging Leaders on June 25 at Barnes & Thornburg.

As a leader in higher education and a former teacher, principal, superintendent, and member of the Indiana State Board of Education, President Elsener has an extensive background in and passion for education. At the luncheon, he will share what the community is already doing to turn around struggling schools, along with his own personal and professional highlights and regrets along the way.

United Way’s Emerging Leaders program engages philanthropic young professionals, 40 years and younger, through volunteer opportunities, leadership development, and social networking events.    

United Way of Central Indiana has partnered with teacher, mentor, and 30-year business leader Doug Braly to create an empowering professional advancement series designed exclusively for Emerging Leaders. Sessions are led by Central Indiana’s most prominent business leaders and feature engaging and interactive topics, including insight on gaining credibility at work, the value of engaging in continuous learning, and strategies to expand your circle of influence.

Learn more about the event and group on the United Way of Central Indiana’s website. 

The Overlook at Riverdale, Marian University’s newest housing option for medical and graduate students, will be ready for students to move in on July 24 or sooner.

The new three-wing apartment community is four stories, has 88 units, offers ample reserved resident parking immediately adjacent to the building, and enjoys scenic views of the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab and the entire Marian University campus.

The university announced plans for The Overlook in February 2014 after surveys with Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine students indicated a desire to live on campus.

“Having housing that is designed for graduate-level students is essential to our growth,” said President Elsener when the announcement was made.

This latest edition to campus will allow residents to live with classmates and interact in an academic environment, while enjoying the privacy and autonomy of a private apartment.

Units range from studio to three bedroom and amenities include:

• Fully-equipped stainless steel kitchen package
• Granite countertops
• Washer and dryer in each unit
• 24-hour private study rooms with white boards, large-screen TVs, and tables and chairs
• Outdoor courtyard, fire pit, and grills
• Fully-furnished options available

Michael L. Kuchera, DO, FAAO, professor of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) at the Marian University College Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM), was recently re-elected to a four-year term as Secretary-General of the Fédération Internationale de Médecine Manuelle (FIMM). 

This is Dr. Kuchera’s fourth elected term to the FIMM Executive Board where he previously served four years as vice president and eight years as secretary general.  During Dr. Kuchera’s years serving, he secured, planned and chaired the only Triennial FIMM Scientific & Educational Congress to be held in North America (Chicago, 2001). His recent work with the FIMM Health Policy Board resulted in its approved Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Manual Medicine.

Appointed annually since 1996 as the United States’ voting delegate to the annual FIMM General Assembly, Dr. Kuchera currently represents the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), whose headquarters are located in Indianapolis.  He has been on the AAO Board of Governors for nearly three decades and chairs their International Affairs Committee.

FIMM is a physician-only federation made up of Manual/Musculoskeletal–Medicine (MM-Medicine) National Societies representing 24 different countries.  It is recognized as the international federation disseminating knowledge and expertise integrating MM-Medicine to health care.  FIMM was founded in 1958 and will hold its 50th general assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark on September 4, 2015.

Five days into our time in Assisi, the pilgrims from Marian University have all experienced in new ways what our Franciscan sponsorship values mean—for us as individuals and for the Marian community.

Prayer has been a constant for us. Daily Eucharist—whether in small chapels, large basilicas or our hotel--has become the centering experience of our journey. More than half of us are not Catholic, but this most significant of all Catholic rituals has embraced all and engaged us in the formation of a community of individuals renewed in our commitment to the mission of Marian University—to be a great Catholic university dedicated to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts tradition.

Reverence for the dignity of every individual stands out as the first, and perhaps most treasured, Franciscan value. Meeting Francis and Clare as we have done—intimately and in amazing detail—has shown us how different they were from each other and from us. But we have also witnessed how much they cared for each other and for others, especially the poor and the sick, the outcast and the vulnerable. Through their eyes we see that every man and woman is made in God’s image, a wonder to behold, no matter how different from us. Marian’s commitment to serve a diverse student body has been reaffirmed as an incredibly important feature of who we are and what we stand for as a Catholic Franciscan community.

Reconciliation takes on new meaning when seen through the eyes of Francis and Clare. Their calling from God required a near-total break from their families and their culture. Such a radical separation sadly resulted in bitterness and anger on the part of some parents, family members and friends. Certainly it was painful for all concerned to “let go” and embrace new ways of living, strained relationships and an uncertain future. But the story does not end with brokenness. It ends with reconciliation and hope. As Franciscans have experienced throughout their history, what has been severed, God can heal— if we allow him. So, we pilgrims ask ourselves, “How can the brokenness in our personal lives, in the university community and in our world can be mended? And what roles are each of us called to play in the work of reconciliation?

Francis and Clare were born into an unjust and warring world not unlike our own. Their commitment to peace and justice made them countercultural figures. Clare saved the town of Assisi and held the Saracen invaders at bay by confronting them with the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ. Francis confronted the Sultan in the Holy Land and emerged unharmed because his enemy recognized him as a holy man, a man of peace. The witness of these great saints speaks to us today. Justice is more than an abstraction. Peace is possible. Everything that we teach at Marian must convey this message. Transformational leaders are women and men of character who stand for something more than the status quo. True leaders inspire others to build a better world, one that is just, one in which peace can flourish.

And, finally, we pilgrims see responsible stewardship with new eyes. Certainly we are called to conserve and to recycle, to be prudent and generous, to take care of and share all God’s gifts. But why? Because everything that God has made is good—a gift to be treasured, we have been called to nurture, cultivate and share the bounteous gifts of our Creator. We are stewards, co-creators—charged with an awesome responsibility to “give back to God with increase.”

How are we stewards?

• Mark Apple stewards the messages we send, sharing with others the good news about Marian University.
• David Haire holds in trust our mission and identity as Catholic and Franciscan.
• Sr. Jean Hegelskamp prepares leaders to be stewards of the schools where young minds and hearts are formed.
• Mark Henninger builds character in the more than 100 men entrusted to his care, teaching them to be student athletes who are winners because they truly are good sportsmen.
• Russ Kershaw shows students how to learn by doing so they become wise and successful women and men of business.
• Jennifer Plumlee guides students, helping them succeed in all they do personally and professionally.
• Ruth Rodgers shares her many gifts to create a mature, caring and disciplined approach to student affairs.
• Jennifer Waning invites talented men and women from southwest Ohio to come to Marian where their gifts can be developed carefully and shared gratefully.
• Ellen Whitt nurtures relationships with business, civic and non profit organizations in order to help Marian students learn experientially and develop marketable skills now and in the future.
• PJ Woolston invites parents and students to “come and see” what a Marian University education can mean for them so that we can achieve our aggressive enrollment goals.
• Dan Conway stewards the Vision and Priorities of Marian University helping us to be accountable for successfully implementing the Power Goals that are the engines driving our strategic plan.

 But responsible stewardship is not restricted to these 11 pilgrims and the spouses who have joined us. All trustees, faculty and staff at Marian University are called to be servant leaders in the Franciscan and liberal arts tradition. All are invited to let the inspiration of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi guide them in carrying out the great work first begun here by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana, whose “courage to venture” lives on in this great Catholic university.

A learning and development seminar on recognizing and preventing bullying in the workplace.

Marian’s Adult Programs (MAP) at Marian University recently announced a workplace bullying seminar to be held at the Marian University Theatre on August 12, 2015. This is a free event and open to the public. The topic—workplace bullying and prevention—is applicable to employees at any level including managers, supervisors, human resources personnel, and business owners. It is scheduled for 6-8 p.m., with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m.

This “Work Shouldn’t Hurt” seminar is the result of a collaborative effort between The Chris Lytle Foundation and the students and faculty of MAP’s current Meeting and Event Planning concentration. Classes within this concentration, as well as 31 other courses in MAP, are partnered with local businesses or non-profits to provide creative solutions for actual business challenges. MAP students have worked with organizations like Indy Parks, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Indy Eleven, and Broad Ripple Village Association.

Keynote Speaker Chris “Lights Out” Lytle, retired Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter, empowers and educates others in the fight against bullying, domestic violence, and sexual assault. The Chris Lytle Foundation has been hard at work rallying the Indianapolis community to “Rise Up Against Bullying”.

Bullying is any conduct that is threatening, humiliating, and/or intimidating to another person. While the topic of adolescent bullying has continually received nation-wide attention, the reality is that many of those bullies continue that pattern of behavior well into adulthood. According to a 2014 survey by The Workplace Bullying Institute, “65 million workers are affected by workplace bullying.”

Andrea Morehead, Emmy award-winning WTHR Eyewitness News anchor will emcee the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q & A with Chris as well as a panel of business professionals representing a wide range of industries. This collaboration of leaders will provide valuable insight to help identify workplace bullying, and present preventative game plans to keep workplaces bully free.

MAP will provide autographed copies of Chris Lytle’s Lights Out on Bullying children’s book to the first 50 people to arrive at the August 12 event. Additional photo and autograph opportunities will also be available.

Marian University recently received reaffirmation of accreditation through the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) for the education preparation programs at Marian University at the initial teacher preparation level and the advanced level. The university received special recognition by earning the highest distinction for field experiences and community partnerships, as well as faculty qualifications and development.  

Marian University has been accredited by NCATE for more than 37 years. The intensive reaccreditation process is a culmination of more than seven years of data collection and review and acknowledges that Marian University’s education programs meet the rigorous standards set forth by the professional education community.

“We are so pleased that the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation has fully reaffirmed our continuing accreditation. National accreditation validates the excellence of our teacher education, principal preparation, and leadership programs,” Dr. Diana Cheshire, dean of the School of Education and Exercise Science. “We received two of the highest distinction ratings and multiple commendations from our site team of evaluators, which we were told is a rarity in accreditation nowadays. Great thanks and praise to our wonderful faculty and staff in each of our undergraduate, graduate, and academy programs as well as the many superintendents, district office personnel, teachers, and community leaders that were a part of this extremely successful reaccreditation effort.”   

Marian University’s School of Education and Exercise Science has a long tradition of excellence in preparing future educators and professionals, offering programs for three major career paths: teacher education, applied educational studies, and exercise and sports studies. The school is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs and award-winning international honor society, Kappa Delta Pi.

Founded in 1954, NCATE is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a specialized accrediting body for school, colleges, and departments of education. NCATE and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) have consolidated and are now transitioning into the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).      

The next accreditation visit—using the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards—is scheduled for fall 2020. 

This June, Marian University welcomed nearly 200 future educators, including 94 Teach For America (TFA) Corps Members, 85 Indianapolis Teaching Fellows (ITF), and 15 full-time master of arts bridge to teaching (MBT) students to campus.

At a ceremony welcoming the students on June 1, Lindan Hill, Ph.D., director of graduate studies, told students, “This is hard work, but with grit and perseverance, you will be able to make an impactful difference with the inner-city children we serve.”

Marian University students in ITF and TFA will start their teaching careers in more than 50 pre-k-12 schools in the Indianapolis community, serving more than 2,500 students.    

The university’s partnerships with ITF and TFA provide teacher candidates with state licensure coursework and the ability to earn the master of arts in teaching degree. Marian University places teacher candidates in high-need schools and subject areas throughout Indianapolis public and charter schools.

Indianapolis Teaching Fellows is a partnership between Indianapolis area districts and charter schools and The New Teacher Project (TNTP), a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the gap by ensuring that high-need students get outstanding teachers. Founded by teachers in 1997, TNTP partners with school districts and states to implement scalable responses to their most acute teacher quality challenges.

Teach For America was founded in 1990 by Princeton graduate Wendy Kopp with a mission to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting newly trained teachers to serve in low-income school districts. TFA now serves over 26 urban and rural communities with 5,000 corps members.

William H. (Bill) Curran passed away on June 16 at the age of 76. Curran served as chief financial officer of Marian University from 2001 to 2009, during the university’s time of deepest financial trouble.

In a message to the Marian University community, President Elsener expressed sadness for the loss of a dear friend and gratitude for Curran’s time serving the university, saying “I can’t imagine how we would have made it through that most challenging time without Bill’s keen financial and managing talents. Beyond his investment skill and knowledge, Bill was a person of integrity. Simply stated, our might and major financial renewal would not have been possible without him—Bill will forever be a Marian Knight!”

Curran worked for and retired from Ice Miller, but came out of retirement to help guide Marian University as it revamped its finance and business operations. Curran was recognized as one of the non-profit CFOs of the year by Indianapolis Business Journal in 2008.

“I will be forever grateful for Bill’s generous and expert service,” said Marian University president Daniel J. Elsener.

Family and friends celebrated Curran’s life at St. Luke Catholic Church on Friday, June 19. 

Marian University recently received a United Water Community Relations Environmental Grant for $10,000 that will allow K-8th grade students and classes who need financial assistance to attend Marian University’s STEM summer camps and other Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab outreach programs.

The STEM Summer Camp—an outreach initiative of the School of Education and Exercise Science—utilizes the Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab to bring science to students in new, different, and fun ways. A different theme each day brings new experiences and excitement as students learn the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Each week of camp has a different theme: including Exploring Living Things; Chemistry, Physics, and More; and Earth and Space. Of the approximately 300 students who attend one of the three weeks, nearly a third are on free and reduced lunch and need financial support.

“The United Water grant has made a real difference this summer. So many families have been able to register children for the STEM Summer Camps because of the additional financial support provided,” Janice Hicks-Slaughter, director of partnerships and outreach for the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab. “We are also looking forward to using grant funds to help defray EcoLab field trip costs which will provide opportunities for more classes to visit that might otherwise not have had the opportunity to come.”

Throughout the year, Marian University students and faculty use the EcoLab in their classes as a site for hands-on experiences in the natural world. The EcoLab also hosts outstanding science programs for all ages and a comprehensive array of environmental resources for Pre K-12 students and teachers.  

All are welcome to visit this nature preserve in the middle of the city.  

This spring, students studying in the School of Mathematics and Sciences have presented research at regional and national conferences.

Two Marian University biology students presented at the Animal Behavior Conference and Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, March 26-28.  Jessica Williams and Eli Resnick, both biology majors, presented their research on climate changes and its effect on the White-tailed Ptarmigan. Resnick and Williams’ research found that while the White-tailed Ptarmigan is well-adapted to the extreme cold of the alpine winter, it is less adapted to high temperatures that occur in late summer. The two students worked closely with David Benson, Ph.D., professor of biology and director of research.     

Three students—Chrsitine Skaggs, Amanda Scanameo, and Alyssa Heffren—presented their research at the Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honor Society’s national convention in Kentucky. Their poster presentation looked at “In vitro analysis of the antimicrobial efficacy of rose Bengal and green light against Staphylococcus aureu.”

These three students were among six Marian University students to travel to the Sigma Zeta National Conference. The university’s chapter, Gamma Eta, was inducted into the society in 2012 and quickly gained national recognition when they earned the Founders Cup Award in 2014.

Research is an integral part of the learning experience within the School of Mathematics and Sciences.

“To the non-scientist, science appears to be a large number of ‘facts’ that are difficult to understand. To the scientist, science is the process of asking a question, designing an experiment to answer the question, then reporting the results to the public so that what has been done in the laboratory can be added to the summed knowledge,” said Loren Bertocci, Ph.D., dean of the School of Mathematics and Sciences. “As our students do research, then report their results in public settings, our students advance as scientists at the same time that they make contributions to their fields of study.”

To learn more about opportunities within the School of Mathematics and Sciences, visit the website. 

Marian University recently received a United Water Community Relations Environmental Grant for $10,000 that will allow K-8th grade students and classes who need financial assistance to attend Marian University’s STEM summer camps and other Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab outreach programs.

“A key focus for us at United Water is to give back to the community where we live and serve,” said Tim Blagsvedt, P.E, Project Manager of United Water Indiana.  “We proudly serve the citizens of Indianapolis by providing wastewater collection and treatment services through our client, Citizens Energy Group. Giving back almost $208,000 this year to a diverse group of community-focused organizations, including Marian University and their very important Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab programs, is a natural outgrowth of the service we provide.”

The STEM Summer Camp—an outreach initiative of the School of Education and Exercise Science—utilizes the Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab to bring science to students in new, different, and fun ways. A different theme each day brings new experiences and excitement as students learn the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Each week of camp has a different theme: including Exploring Living Things; Chemistry, Physics, and More; and Earth and Space. Of the approximately 300 students who attend one of the three weeks, nearly a third are on free and reduced lunch and need financial support.

“The United Water grant has made a real difference this summer. So many families have been able to register children for the STEM Summer Camps because of the additional financial support provided,” Janice Hicks-Slaughter, director of partnerships and outreach for the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab. “We are also looking forward to using grant funds to help defray EcoLab field trip costs which will provide opportunities for more classes to visit that might otherwise not have had the opportunity to come.”

Throughout the year, Marian University students and faculty use the EcoLab in their classes as a site for hands-on experiences in the natural world. The EcoLab also hosts outstanding science programs for all ages and a comprehensive array of environmental resources for Pre K-12 students and teachers.  

All are welcome to visit this nature preserve in the middle of the city.  

In June, 16 pilgrims from Marian University traveled to Italy to follow in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare. Guided by Franciscan scholars from diverse regions of the United States, the Marian pilgrims (comprised of faculty, staff, several spouses, and a member of the Board of Trustees) spent eight days in Assisi and three days in Rome before returning to Indianapolis on June 16. Their itinerary included lectures, visits to historic Franciscan sites, daily Eucharist and common prayer, shared meals, and opportunities for reflection and discussion.

According to Mark Henniger, Marian University head football coach, “When I was asked to go on this pilgrimage (which I consider a huge honor) and was given the reading assignments, I started to become fascinated with the stories of Francis and Clare. However, after reading the books, they were still just stories. It wasn’t until I was able to walk through the streets of Assisi (or should I say walk up the streets of Assisi – as it seemed all the streets went up), hear the birds singing, see the ruins of the castle above the city, feel the cool rock walls of the buildings on a 90-degree day was I able to appreciate the lives and the sacrifice of both Francis and Clare.”

Seeing with the eyes of Francis and Clare brought into focus their commitment to poverty, simplicity, and wholehearted love of all God’s creation. Russ Kershaw, Ph.D., dean of the Byrum School of Business, observed: “Through the deeper understanding of the lives that Francis and Clare led—gained during the pilgrimage—I believe that I will be better able to infuse their values into the classroom. Not only will I be able to do this on an individual basis as I teach in our curriculum, but as dean of the Byrum School of Business, I will be able to influence our entire program as we continue to implement and improve our experiential approach to teaching business.”

Marian’s pilgrims speak freely about how their experiences will benefit their work at the university. “As we develop curriculum,” says Sr. Jeanne Hagelskamp, associate professor and director of the Marian University Academy for Teaching and Learning Leadership, “I will also be sharing some of the experiences with others so that the lives of Francis and Clare become real to them and so that they can breathe life into our Franciscan sponsorship values.”

Karen Klabunde, wife of Dr. Richard Klabunde who teaches in the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, notes, “I was encouraged in my faith in Christ by daily Eucharist, by readings, reenactments, as well as our excellent teaching by our leaders, our growth together as pilgrims, the camaraderie of new friends, and the prayers of everyone. I came to understand concepts I had struggled with but had not fully grasped before this trip.  Truly, ‘Where you stand determines what you see.’ My faith has grown.”

The four Franciscan sponsorship values that Marian University received from the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana, took on a new vibrancy for the group. As trustee David Haire observed, “For most of us, religion and values are very personal; we have to break out of the comfort and become evangelists for the pilgrimage and the Franciscan values.  Like Francis, we have to spend some time in quiet prayer and spend much time in preaching the Word.”

Dr. Klabunde says, “Words cannot express how much I learned about Francis and Clare’s spiritual journeys and the world in which they lived. They abandoned all the comforts of life in order to serve people in the love of Christ. What a testimony for me today! I was reminded of how little I have given up and the limits of my faith. I understand more clearly how faith must go beyond beliefs and be expressed in our actions toward others. As a non-Catholic Christian, I was deeply moved by daily participation in the Mass and by the teaching and example of the Franciscan leaders of our pilgrimage. I now understand more clearly the importance of the Franciscan movement not only for the Church, but also for all humanity.”

Susan Kershaw, wife of Dr. Kershaw, notes “St. Francis' dedication to Christ has inspired me to pray daily in everything I’m involved in. Spending time with God on a regular basis and yielding to His will is a new goal for me. ‘Abba, May your will be done unto me’ is my new mantra that is repeated several times throughout the day. In addition to prayer, I more fully appreciate the importance of relationships in our lives and the value of every soul.”

These pilgrims have committed themselves to sharing their experiences with the Marian University community through a variety of means. Jennifer Waning, who represents the university to prospective students and their families in southwest Ohio, says, “Sharing the experience, to whomever we can tell, bringing it up in conversation, talking about the things we learned and how it has influenced us to do things differently will go a long way in spreading the message.  Our actions and attitudes will certainly be contagious.”

Coach Henninger sums it up beautifully when he says, “The pilgrimage is an amazing experience. Marian University prides itself on teaching and displaying Franciscan values, and what better classroom to deepen one’s understanding of these values than the streets and hills of Assisi.”

 A group of 13 photography enthusiasts joined Bill Foley, Pulitzer-Prize winning photographer and assistant professor of fine arts/photography at Marian University, in the Nina Mason Pulliam (NMP) EcoLab for a photography workshop exploring light and composition on June 6. It was a diverse group ranging in experience and age from high school to retirement.

The workshop started with a brief introduction and instruction by Foley, who used his own work as an example. He explained how the direction, intensity, and quality of the light have an impact on our photographs, and discussed proper framing (composition) techniques. Participants used a wide range of devices, from phones to point and shoot and digital SLR cameras. Foley stressed that a good photo can be taken from any device if you know how to use the light and frame your subject properly.

After the slide presentation, the group headed out for the rest of the morning to practice on the many beautiful subjects and scenes found in the NMP EcoLab.

Afterwards, participants were able to (and encouraged to) share what they had captured with the group. As you can see, participants captured beautiful images.

Look for more photography workshops (photography at night, fall colors, and winter scenes, to name a few) to be popping up soon on the NMP EcoLab’s website.

For more information, contact Stephanie Schuck, restoration ecologist, at sschuck@marian.edu. We hope to see you at our next EcoLab event!

Nearly 80 high school students from across the country will be at Marian University from July 9-11 to prepare for the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), which will be held at the Indiana Convention Center, November 19-21.

The students, known as youth animators, are a part of the Animator Formation Program and will spend the week auditioning and preparing for roles as soloists, featured dancers, readers, and members of the chorus for the November conference.

“Marian University is honored to serve as the sponsor and host for the NCYC Youth Animator Program for the third year in a row,” said Mark Erdosy, director of the San Damiano Scholars Program for Church Leadership and executive director of Rebuild My Church. “Their energy, enthusiasm, and love for their faith are evident from the moment they arrive to campus and after departing.” 

Throughout the conference, these young men and women will lead and inspire NCYC attendees through song, music, and dance.

“Marian University’s vision is to provide an education distinguished in its ability to prepare transformative leaders for service to the world. Hosting the NCYC Youth Animators is a natural extension of our vision as the youth animators receive their training in transformative leadership here on our campus,” said Erdosy. “We look forward to our ongoing collaboration in years to come.” 

NCYC is a biannual conference that typically draws more than 25,000 high school students, youth ministers, adult chaperones, and youth-service organizations. The conference offers high school attendees multiple opportunities to interact and learn more about the Catholic faith. From general sessions, to workshops, to occasions to be of service and participate in the sacraments, to the chance to dance or play basketball, NCYC attempts to engage the head, heart, and hands of all participants.

For more information regarding Marian University’s role in the conference, contact Mark Erdosy at merdosy@marian.edu.