It has been my honor to serve as the interim president of Donnelly College. As you’ve hopefully heard, Monsignor Stuart Swetland, S.T.D., became Donnelly’s seventh president on July 1. While we stand on the cusp of a new, exciting era in Donnelly’s history—and as I transition out of the president’s role to resume my post on Donnelly’s Board of Trustees—I’d like to reflect on the last few months. As a long-standing member of Donnelly’s Board, I was already closely acquainted with our history, vision and purpose before stepping in. I understood the uniqueness of Donnelly’s story and the community we serve, and felt that working in support of an institution with such an impactful mission is a privilege. And now, after working even more deeply in the trenches, so to speak, my point of view has been forever changed. I’m more inspired. I feel more privileged than ever. I’ve witnessed the depth and breadth of the Donnelly College commitment from a front-row seat. Each and every day, in a variety of ways, both faculty and staff truly live out the charge to serve those who might not otherwise be served. The time, talent, expertise and energy that they consistently commit to the betterment of our institution and students—and to the greater community—is awe-inspiring. I’ve also gotten to know many of Donnelly’s students. Our scholars come from every imaginable walk of life. Some are first generation college students; others are not. Some enroll right out of high school; others seek degrees later in life. They hail from the Kansas City metro area and from halfway around the globe. They’re all very different, but are bound by one common thread: all are reaching toward the promise of a more fulfilled life through education’s transformative power. And, through my interactions with the students, I’m continually reminded why we do what we do. I want to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to our faculty, staff, students, Board and the broader Donnelly community for assisting me over the last seven months. During my tenure, while we searched for a new leader, all of you were diligent about maintaining our standards for excellence in instruction and service, in operations and in learning. I sincerely thank you. Bob Bartunek Photos from bob's time at donnelly:
2o13-2014 student ambassadors(RIGHT TO LEFT) JANAY CUNNINGHAM, SINDY MONZON, ISMARA CORTES, CLARA DE LA TORRE, AND ROBERTO LUNA. If you really want to know what’s happening at Donnelly, there’s only one (well, actually five) sure source(s)! DC’s student ambassadors have their fingers on the pulse of everything happening on campus. They know the people and places that make Donnelly tick. And they’re eager to share their insight and experiences with visitors. If you haven’t visited lately and you’d like to see what’s new on campus, call 913.621.8752 to set up a tour. We’d love to roll out the proverbial red carpet and show you around!
Fall is synonymous in so many minds with education and the beginning of a new school year. So, it seems only fitting that Donnelly College hosts its largest fund raiser – SHINE – in the fall. SHINE is Donnelly College’s Annual Scholarship Event. Dollars raised at this event make up an essential portion of the College’s scholarship awards each year. These scholarship awards are especially important to Donnelly students. Many come from families living below the poverty line and a majority are the first in their family to go to college. Donnelly College has an incredible mission to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to high quality, affordable education. This is, in large part, why we have chosen to become involved with Donnelly. Mike first started working with the College through his position with Burns and McDonnell to help start a pre-engineering program. After two successful semesters, the company is offering valuable internship experiences to students. He is also proud to serve on the Board of Trustees. Melanie’s involvement has been through serving on the planning committee for past scholarship events. We are both happy to be co-chairing this year’s SHINE Event along with Brian and Susan Finucane and honorary chair, Phil Kirk, Jr. It is important to us to play some small part in making sure that talented, motivated individuals do not “fall through the cracks.” Cost shouldn’t keep anyone from going to college. If you would like to join us and play a part in this important mission, we encourage you to attend SHINE on September 27th. This year, the event will honor Joan Horan for her steadfast support and leadership on Donnelly’s Board of Trustees as well as the role she played as a catalyst to make Donnelly’s new Community Event Center a reality. The event promises to offer some exciting changes this year including a new venue - The National Airline History Museum. We invite you to come “fly with us” as we shine a light on the people who make Donnelly such an amazing place. For more information about the event, visit donnelly.edu/shine. Sincerely, Mike and Melanie Fenske PICTURED (L to R): Andrea Tucker, Gateway Resource Specialist | Melissa Hadi, Accounting Assistant | Deborah Robinson, Gateway Assistant | Paul Mobiley, Gateway Resource Specialist | Christa Scott, Graphic Designer | Olessya Solovev, Staff Accountant | Juan Rangel, Director of Gateway to College | Elissa Muro, Accounting Assistant
NOT PICTURED: Laura Arensberg, ESL Tutor | Priscilla Agali, PN Instructor | Mary Benson, PN Instructor | Karen Dewberry, PN Instructor | Lynn Do, PN Instructor | Bridget Locke, Asst. Director of Enrollment Services | Catherine Maina, C.N.A. Instructor | Ndidi Obiefuna, PN Instructor | Mary Jaramillo, Adjunct Professor | Vanesa Salgado, Prep Ed Instructor | Nancy Schmidt, PN Instructor Veronica Woodford, PN Instructor
IN MEMORIAM In remembrance of alumni and friends who have recently passed away. LINCOLN HILL, ’89, died November 14, 2012 at the age of 49. JOSEPH MICEK, ’67, died April 5, 2013 at the age of 66. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO?
Have you recently earned a degree, started a new job or celebrated an addition to your family? If you have news to share, WE WANT TO KNOW! Send info about graduations, marriages, births, promotions and achievements to [email protected]. Share your milestones with 5,000 Donnelly Digest readers worldwide. |