Radius Winter 2010 - Robert Morris University

RA DIUS
R EAC H I N G O UT TO T H E COM MU N I TY
O F RO B ERT M O R R I S U N IV ER S I TY
WI NT ER | 2011
R
The Robert Morris University
ICenter Lets Students Get Hands-On
STORY ON PAGE 4-5
RADIUS
Winter 2011
4-6 » ICenter Officially
Opens the Door
for Experiential
Learning
EDITOR
Nancy Santacaterina Donohoe
ART DIRECTION
CI Design
PHOTOGRAPHY
Nancy S. Donohoe
Kristen Thinnes
Table of Contents
7-9 » Around RMU
CONTRIBUTORS
Cassi Petrusevski
Kristen Thinnes
Rasheeda Wadley
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
Michael P. Viollt – President
Robert Morris University is a private,
not-for-profit baccalaureate and
graduate degree granting institution.
It is accredited by the Higher Learning
Commission of the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools,
230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500,
Chicago, IL 60604, 312-263-0456.
Radius is published by
Robert Morris University
401 S. State Street
Chicago, IL 60605
10 » PROFILE:
Rachel Story
12-13 » PROFILE:
11-12 » PROFILE:
Gina Cialoni
Leslie Surrett
14-15 » Busy December Days at RMU
16-17 » BLEND Cookbook
Hits Shelves
18 » PROFILE:
Jaime Rosales
For more information, visit the RMU
website at www.robertmorris.edu
19 » RMU Alums
LETTER
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
Dear Members of the Robert Morris Community:
In order to keep our country globally competitive, President
Obama has asked U.S. colleges and universities to dramatically
increase the number of graduates. Over the next nine years, the
RMU share of the requested increase is nearly 5000 additional
graduates. With most of the nation’s increase expected to come
from first-generation students, RMU’s share needs to be even
greater, as many universities will find reasons not to educate
these students.
As an institution with a nationally recognized record for serving
diverse populations, we are well positioned to lead the effort.
In the past year, we were recognized by a number of national
publications for being one of the most diverse universities in the
nation, graduating students at a rate that is 50 percent higher than
our peers, and doing this at a tuition rate that is 30 percent below
the private university average. These points of distinction are the
ingredients of the perfect prescription for what ails American
higher education.
Our mission is critical now, more than ever, as our nation fights to
regain its position as a top educator of its people – all of its people.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Viollt – President
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ICenter Officially Opens the
Door for Experiential Learning
BY RASHEEDA WADLEY
In these harsh economic times, employers are not simply looking for employees, they are looking
for entrepreneurs. In this instance, entrepreneur does not necessarily refer to a business owner;
it means someone with an entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic. Companies are entrusting their
reputations and product and service output to those they hire to get the job done. With so many
qualified people to choose from, how does a company choose the right person to join their team?
What makes one candidate for a position more desirable over another? By looking at the various job
boards and classified ads, it is obvious that most employers are looking for experience, a proactive
work ethic and diverse skills.
Robert Morris University has
developed and implemented one of
its most innovative concepts thus far
called the ICenter. The ICenter is a
student driven experiential learning
division within RMU. The purpose
for the ICenter is to allow students
to work on projects that are specific
to RMU or those that are outsourced
to the ICenter by outside companies.
The main goal for the ICenter is to
provide real world work experience
to RMU students making them more
marketable to potential employers
while helping them earn integration
level credentials through RMU’s
credentialing system.
The ICenter concept has existed
at RMU before there was a formal
name for it. Students have had
opportunities to work with
companies on projects in the past.
For example, students have provided
services in the RMU computer clinic
or worked on marketing campaigns
for real companies in marketing
classes. Now, all of these services
will be provided through the ICenter
at every campus in every division.
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There is a physical location at
the Chicago campus, but students
can work on ICenter projects,
anywhere, anytime.
Although the ICenter is operated
by RMU students, it is under the
direction of faculty guidance. JENNIFER
LAMPLOUGH, dean for Integrated
Learning, oversees the ICenter. Dean
Lamplough is focusing on elevating
RMU to the experiential learning
level that is an integral part of the
university’s Centennial Long-Range
Plan. She notes, “President Viollt
envisions the ICenter as the umbrella
over the long-range plan defining
the brand of RMU.”
Experiential learning allows
students to work on actual projects
for companies that could possibly
be used by those companies. For
example, students have already
worked on accounting projects for
the Chicago Association of Narcotics
Anonymous and the South Suburban
Humane Society. In fact, most of the
current projects are for not-for-profit
organizations that may not have
the resources to complete various
projects. No matter what types of
projects students are involved in,
they are adding tremendous value
to their education.
Experiential learning allows
students to add to their credential
transcripts. AMY TWOREK, dean of
Assessment and The Chicago Center
for Higher Education Studies, said,
“The long-range plan is positioning
us to do things that we haven’t done
before. We are increasing the level
at which students achieve their
credentials through the ICenter. By
earning credentials, students are
acquiring the universal skills that
are needed in the workplace.”
The three levels of credentials
are acquisition, application and
integration. The acquisition level is
the process of gaining knowledge.
The application level is the ability
to apply that knowledge to class
projects or being able to perform
the duties of an internship. The
integration level allows students to
use their skills to conceptualize,
Ebony Allen films action at a recent
Eagles hockey game for a video to be
used by the Athletic Department.
produce and implement new
services and products for
actual clients.
Before the ICenter began, it was
difficult for most students to
achieve their integration credentials.
Students were limited to internships,
externships and occasional project
work for companies. Internships
can sometimes limit students to
one aspect or department of a
company. The ICenter projects will
not put limits on students and will
allow them to apply their skills to
many areas.
The ICenter will concentrate on
integrating RMU students into the
workplace in a safe environment.
Dean Tworek added, “The ICenter
is still considered a learning
environment for students. Aside
from the obvious, it’s a safe place
to make mistakes and overcome
those mistakes.”
The ICenter adds diversity to the
RMU curriculum, and works with the
career-focused experiential learning
mission of the school. Students will
be working on actual projects from
start to finish based on company
needs. Of course, this means that the
projects are not necessarily bound by
the RMU quarter system. A project
can take anywhere from a few weeks
to a few months to complete. BASIM
KHARTABIL, dean for the Institute of
Technology and Media, noted that
the ICenter incorporates multiple
disciplines into one project.
“We have always been about integrating through practice.
The ICenter is the formal expression of that goal.”
– PRESIDENT MICHAEL VIOLLT
One of the most anticipated
projects for the ICenter is RMU’s
very own ‘green’ restaurant that
will be operated by students. With
business plans, marketing plans,
space planning, and menu decisions,
this venture involves almost every
educational discipline that RMU
has to offer. The restaurant, to be
called ‘Eyrie,’ will be located in the
Oak Park area, an ideal location
for such an innovative concept.
The neighborhood is known
for being host to many eclectic
businesses. For this particular
project, RMU is the client with
NANCY ROTUNNO, executive director
of RMU’s Institute of Culinary Arts
as the client representative. John
Daschler is the faculty advisor for
the project and brings a wealth of
hospitality management knowledge
and experience to the project. For
students involved in projects such as
this one, Dean Khartabil pointed out,
“This is something they can add to
their resumes as a real project they
have worked on.”
JANICE KAUSHAL, dean for the
Institute of Art and Design, helps
to oversee projects along with the
other department deans as well
as overseeing specific projects.
Dean Kaushal works closely with
the design students who are
instrumental in many of the projects,
as most of them require art and
design work. With a degree in film,
she is also working with students
to develop an RMU video talk show.
To prepare students to step into the
workplace, Dean Kaushal said, “The
ICenter is a unique opportunity
for students to really immerse
themselves into what they believe
they want to do.”
Along with building student
confidence, the ICenter is also
building the RMU brand. LARRY
NIEMAN, dean for the School of
Business Administration, said, “We
want Robert Morris to be chosen
because of the ICenter.” Most wellCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>
5
David Munoz (left) and Paul Burdette work on live-action streaming of an
Eagles hockey game.
known schools have a particular
aspect that they are known for, be it
sports, academics or distinguished
alumni. The ICenter will eventually
be what puts RMU at the top
of the list of college choices for
many potential students. With the
ICenter, the RMU brand can become
synonymous with competent
and innovative consulting in the
business community. Dean Nieman
added, “It’s a win-win situation
possibly replace a class for credit
while adding to their credentials.
Students will also be able to create a
network of their fellow students as
colleagues and potential employers.
Dean Lamplough said, “It’s a great
way for companies to work with
potential employees before hiring
them.” With so many experienced
professionals competing with
those who have less experience for
positions, the ICenter could level
The ultimate goal of the ICenter is to help students gain
the experience that they need to compete in the workplace.
6
because it allows companies to get
current thinking and up-to-date
resources. It allows students to
explore all aspects of a company.”
the playing field for RMU students.
Dean Lamplough added, “The more
experience you get, the better you
are suited to get a job.”
Students are encouraged to either
propose possible ICenter projects or
join existing projects. It is important
for students to choose projects
that have meaning for them. After
all, having a career means being
happy doing what you do. The
ICenter projects are different from
internships in that the students
are driving the process. Students
who work on ICenter projects could
Students who are interested in
working on an ICenter project
can apply three different ways.
The first is to apply directly to the
ICenter Project Board along with
a recommendation from a faculty
member (www.robertmorris.edu/
icenter). The second is a direct
recommendation to any of the
department Deans involved with
the ICenter. The third and most
impressive way to get involved in an
ICenter project, is to be hand-selected
by an instructor or Dean. This means
that a student’s work speaks for
itself and their particular skills and
expertise are needed to complete a
project. Students must also note that
by applying, they are not guaranteed
to be selected for a project. Although
there is no minimum grade point
average, students must realize that
ICenter projects require a significant
amount of commitment, the same as
in the workplace. Students must also
remember that this is a class on their
schedule and they are being graded;
there are expectations that must
be met.
Since the Summer II, 2010 quarter,
almost 200 students have begun to
work on ICenter projects. The deans
are expecting many successful
outcomes from the various projects.
Obviously, RMU would hope that all
of the projects come to fruition but,
as Dean Kaushal said, “The end result
is not that you crossed the finish line,
it’s that you ran the race.”
The ultimate goal of the ICenter is
to help students gain the experience
that they need to compete in the
workplace. Whether or not their
work is used by the companies does
not take away from the skills they
have gained. It is an opportunity
for RMU students to become totally
involved in and responsible for
experiential, real world projects, and
to attain experience that uniquely
rounds out their college careers.
Medical Assisting students participated in
local health fairs in Springfield and Peoria
as part of an ICenter project promoting
community outreach.
Around RMU
RMU Ranks #8 in Chicago’s Top Workplaces
Robert Morris University was listed as number eight in the list of medium-sized top
employers in Chicago in a special publication that came out with the November 15
issue of the Chicago Tribune. Random employees participated in an online survey
over the summer, resulting in the high ranking for RMU.
NICOLE SKALUBA, vice president of Human Resources, provided the Tribune with
additional information that they included in a separate online site, providing
viewers with a more in-depth picture of Robert Morris. “We are particularly proud
of this honor as the award was based on feedback from our employees,” she said.
Employees who participated in the survey included comments such as:
“I enjoy the people I work with and for...”
“We feel we are part of the future of this organization.”
“I feel appreciated...”
“I have the freedom to improve my performance...”
Marching in the parade…
Members of the RMU Dance Team and the Eagle mascots got into the Christmas spirit this year by participating in the McDonald’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Chicago. The chilly weather didn’t detour the team members from performing their
synchronized pom routines and the mascots stayed warm in their costumes. The parade traveled north on State Street and our
marchers had a faithful following, especially as they passed our Chicago campus. RMU looks forward to marching again next year –
maybe with members of the football team!
7
Around RMU
The Sound of Music
The sound of music can be heard on the Chicago campus as
the RMU Show Choir continues to build up its membership
and repertoire. The choir, moderated by ERIN HAYNES, gave
a performance at a meeting of the RMU Senior Managers
in November. The response was a standing ovation. Many
managers were amazed at the group’s ability in vocal talent
and choreography skills, particularly after just one quarter of
working together. The Show Choir performed in the Student
Center during Winter Carnival in December and at shopping
malls during the holidays.
drive to benefit Clara’s House, a homeless shelter in west
Englewood for women and children. Students gathered at
campuses to write holiday cards to US troops stationed in
other countries. They also collected toys for Christopher
House, a social service agency serving people on Chicago’s
north and west sides.
MORE FUNDRAISING
The Orland Park campus held a winter coat drive for the
Crisis Center for South Suburbia’s Neat Repeats. The DuPage
campus set up a unique way to collect library fines: cans of
food for the local food pantry settled student debts. They
also had a supplies drive for the animal shelter, baked goods
for Feeding Illinois and had a used book drive, in which text
books students no longer wanted went to area libraries or to
students in need.
The Peoria campus had a very successful Thanksgiving feast
and sold tickets to students and staff. The funds raised went
to the Feeding Illinois program. Once again, the Bensenville
campus participated in the local Chili Cook-off and they
also conducted a toy drive to supplement the efforts of the
Bensenville community.
Culinary News
Making RooM
Feeding Illinois is the recipient
of what has become a campuswide project for employees of
Robert Morris University. Making
RooM, initiated in September, is a
campaign that raises funds through
payroll deductions and individual
Provost Mablene Krueger fundraising efforts. Making RooM
models the Making RooM funds will be matched by the Board
t-shirt at a recent Senior
of Trustees. T-shirts promoting the
Manager’s meeting.
program are being sold for $10 each
at the bookstore and also support Feeding Illinois.
The Making RooM program is just one of the ongoing efforts
by the RMU community. Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), The
Morris Men (a new service group of male students and alumni),
The Volunteer Club and Sigma Beta Delta all joined forces over
the holidays. A food drive co-sponsored by Campbell’s had
students working to collect 5,000 pounds of food. A clothing
8
The RMU Institute of Culinary Arts hosted a reception in
November as part of The Green Chicago Restaurant Co-op
2010 State of the Plate. The conference is an opportunity
for developing and sharing “best practices, information
and strategies for creating a sustainable meat supply in
the region (Midwest).” Representatives from industry, food
service and culinary leaders presented several workshops
throughout the day at the Harold Washington Library,
across from RMU. Topics on industrial farmed vs sustainably
raised meat, grass fed meat, and corporate and consumer
responsibility culminated with a reception and tasting in the
culinary dining room and the showing of the award-winning
documentary Food, Inc. in the RMU auditorium.
Amy Keck, right, of RMU Culinary, helped facilitate the
reception for State of the Plate with Dave Rand of Chicago
Green City Market.
Hispanic
Heritage Month
In September, representatives
from the RMU Admissions Office
in Chicago, RMU freshman
JESUS HERNANDEZ, and Latino
Art Beat director DON ROSSI,
celebrated the beginning of 2010
Hispanic Heritage Month in
Illinois. Governor PATRICK QUINN
congratulated Jesus for winning
the national competition of the
2010 Latino Art Beat.
State Street Gallery Exhibit
The State Street Gallery opened a double exhibit in December, featuring the works of watercolorist BRET STEINHAUS and the work of
JOHN HAYES. The large space now available in the renovated gallery easily lends itself to more than one exhibition or including
student work in the showcase.
Bret Steinhaus
UPCOMING SHOWS
Opening Reception, February 11, 2011,
Southwest Suburban Conference High School Art Exhibition
Opening Reception, March 3, 2011
The 2001 Bachelor of Applied Science Institutional
and Alumni Exhibition
John Hayes
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The Beginning of the Story…
PROFILE: RACHEL STORY
RMU junior, Rachel Story, grew up in the small north central Illinois town of Oregon. But being
comfortable in a quiet, rural area didn’t dissuade her from looking for a college in a busy, urban
area, and being very happy with her choice.
our partnership with Junior
Achievement stands out as a
favorite. We help students learn
how to market themselves through
mentoring and motivating.”
She has also added Eagle Scholar
duties and being a Student Rep on
the RMU Sustainability Council
to her schedule. Her most recent
project, though, is one that springs
from learning about a particular
social issue that impacted her and
quickly set her in motion: human
trafficking.
“I was attracted by the dual degree
option at Robert Morris,” Rachel
explains. “I knew I wanted to
go beyond a bachelor’s and the
chance to complete an MBA at an
accelerated pace really fit what I
was looking for.”
Starting at RMU’s Chicago campus,
she decided on a business degree.
She lives at Fornelli Hall, a dorm in
the Loop for Chicago students, and
serves as an RA.
As Rachel went through freshman
orientation, she became very
intrigued by the work done by SIFE,
Students in Free Enterprise. It soon
became part of her program at RMU,
and by sophomore year, she was
president.
“SIFE provides such an opportunity
for students to provide service to the
community,” she said. “I got involved
in a lot of the programs, but the
Looking Forward project through
10
Rachel spoke very candidly about
what she learned – first from a SIFE
speaker and then through research
she uncovered in a business class
with DR. LINDA MAST. “I was amazed
at the youth of the victims, the
consequences they suffer and
the lack of resources. Very young
females from third world countries
are kidnapped and kept as slaves by
men in large cities and forced into
prostitution. They know of no way
out, often not knowing the language
if they can help build or rehab a
structure that would become a
safe house.
“I’m working on a business plan
through the ICenter,” she continued.
“I’m also hoping to work with the
Chicago Police Department to help
educate police officers about the
issue, to help them recognize the
difference between prostitutes and
sex slaves who could face death
in their homelands if they are
deported.”
Rachel has hit the ground running
since her first day at RMU. She
found RICARDO MEDINA, executive
assistant in the School of Business
Administration and former SIFE
President, to be a valuable resource
as she navigates her way through
classes, work and extra curricular
activities.
“In my past 5 years at RMU, I have
had the opportunity to work with
a wide range of students, faculty,
staff, and partner companies,”
“I knew I wanted to go beyond a bachelor’s and the
chance to complete an MBA at an accelerated pace
really fit what I was looking for.”
or even that their pimps are breaking
the law. They need some place that
is safe.” And a safe house is what she
hopes she can provide.
There are only two safe houses for
human trafficking victims in the
country. Rachel wants to connect
with Habitat for Humanity to see
commented Ricardo. “In this rather
large pool of people, Rachel sticks
out for a number of reasons. She is
mature, professional, and ambitious.
She possesses the ability to adapt to
her surroundings almost instantly.
Whether she is supporting the team
or leading the team, Rachel has what
it takes to make whatever it is she is
working on to be successful.”
A Volunteer for Life
PROFILE: GINA CIALONI
After graduating high school in 1984, Gina Cialoni
didn’t wait long to get married and have children. The
DesPlaines native and mother of two sons enjoyed being a
young mom and raising her family in the Orland Park area.
In addition to being close to her boys, her time at home
had an added benefit: she was able to explore different
options for a career once her children got a little older.
“I had to put my own college plans on hold while the boys
were growing up, but I did have the option of doing some
volunteer work while they were in school,” she explained.
“I thought nursing was a possibility so I volunteered at a
hospital on an oncology floor.”
As much as Gina loved volunteering
and being part of a health care
program, the cancer unit proved to
be too hard on her. “I was too young
to handle it,” she explained. But it
didn’t dim her view of keeping work
as a volunteer an important part of
her life.
Eventually, she found a position as a
secretary in a medical unit, then as
a supervisor in a physicians’ office.
“The regular hours and location
worked out great,” Gina said, “and I
was in the health care environment
that I had come to love.”
Before long, she found another
opportunity as manager of
operations for a large physicians’
group – over 40 doctors with
24/7 on-call practice. Work had
become intense and as much as she
loved it, balancing it with family
obligations led to burnout. “I had to
reexamine my priorities,” she said.
“I remembered how much I loved
volunteering. I thought, ‘how do I get
paid to do what I did as a volunteer?’”
me to move on and get to the next
step.” Gina was sure she wanted
to pursue a bachelor’s degree and
found the program she needed at
North Park.
By way of embarking on a new
career, Gina found herself in
college – not ‘back in college’ but
starting out as a freshman. Living
near RMU’s Orland Park campus,
she investigated the programs, the
cost and the schedules. She was
soon on her way to completing her
associate degree in business, and
in the process, discovered that she
was a life-long learner. “My time at
Robert Morris was very rewarding.
I had great instructors and made
great friends,” she continued. “It
started with taking advantage of the
convenience, location and schedule,
but it quickly set the framework for
A position opened up with North
Shore University Health Systems
that seemed to be exactly what Gina
was looking for: working with the
different volunteer boards connected
with North Shore. She looked over
the requirements for the position
and quickly had doubts that she had
a chance. “They expected experience
in development, including donor
cultivation and a track record in
fund raising,” she remembers. “I
came to them with the experience
of a volunteer and management in
different settings in health care.”
She landed the job.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>
11
CONTINUED >>
Since February, Gina has worked
as the manager of three operating
volunteer boards connected with
North Shore: the Skokie Women’s
Board, the New Trier Board and the
Associate Board. Now single, she
has relocated to Chicago’s north side
and has her office near Evanston
Hospital. Her duties keep her
calendar jammed with meetings and
special events, not to mention school
and family.
“My biggest challenge is
understanding the dynamics of a
board of volunteers,” she explained.
“We want to make their efforts as
rewarding for them as it is for the
hospitals.” Additionally, Gina works
to promote the mission of the boards
through educating and advocating
on behalf of the community by
assessing needs and instituting
efforts to meet them. “There is a lot
of ‘friend-raising’ and community
service that our members undertake.
Last year, the associate board, which
consists of 175 members between
25 and 40 years of age, raised over
$93,000 from their benefit.”
It seems that there is a lot to be
experienced in Gina’s future. She
is working on her master’s in nonprofit management at North Park,
she is managing the strategic
planning for her boards which
includes increasing membership and
community projects, and she has two
sons who are exploring their own
college opportunities.
“Yes, it all keeps me busy,” she added.
But it’s obvious she is loving every
minute of it.
PROFILE: LESLIE SURRETT
Hooked on Helping
RMU alum, Leslie Surrett, has seen more of
the world in her 22 years of living than most
people will see in a lifetime. More than just
a free spirit, Surrett doesn’t merely travel to
these exotic places – she becomes a part of
the community – inspiring those around her
with her knowledge and passion.
BY KRISTEN THINNES
After graduating with her bachelor’s
in business and a concentration in
hospitality, Leslie decided she wasn’t
quite ready for the nine to five grind.
Seeking the opportunity to travel
and see the world, she joined The
Peace Corp and started her twoand-a-half year mission in Albania,
residing in a town called Lehze. “It’s
probably one of the best experiences
for someone who’s recently out of
college or someone who’s looking
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for a different experience before you
know, doing the ‘real world,’ I mean
it has definitely worked for me.”
With her official title being
Community Development Volunteer,
she intended to focus on tours and
developments, but once she started
teaching in the community, her
focus began to change. She became
engrossed with social work-based
programs – teaching English and
inspiring young girls by developing
an empowerment program. Leslie
appreciated the opportunity to mold
her own path. “The good thing about
my program is that it’s very flexible.
You can find what you want to do,
what’s going to be useful for your
community, and do what you want…
they give you objectives but they
don’t tell you how you have to do it,
so you still have all that freedom.”
Originally from Wauwatosa, WI – a
suburb of Milwaukee – Leslie had
no intention of coming to Chicago.
It was a friend of hers who was
interested in the school – she was
just along for the ride (not one to
pass up an opportunity to travel).
Ironically, Leslie’s friend decided
RMU wasn’t for her and ended up
staying in the Milwaukee area,
where as Leslie fell in love with
the school.
She explains she enjoyed the fast
pace of the program as well as many
of the instructors, as she notes a few
of her favorites: “MARY BETH HEDMARK
was a big help with a lot of things,”
she smiles contentedly. “JOHN DASHLER
– we called him Mr. D. – was one of
my professors and when I needed an
internship he’d pull out his massive
stack of business cards and say, ‘here
– this is who you need to talk to,’”
she laughs as she mimics Dashler
whipping out his business cards.
And this is how Leslie racked
up hands-on experience in the
workforce – helping her develop
the skills and confidence needed to
make a name and a home for herself
in a foreign country. “They [RMU]
gave me the background expertise.
I was actually sought after in my
community for tours and projects, so
that was one thing that helped me
with the initial few months. I had
something that they didn’t.”
Seeing as she aspired to gain her
fellow Albanian colleagues’ respect,
this was important. “In Albania color
isn’t really an issue – it’s your age
and your gender, so I was given two
handicaps going in.” But in the end
Leslie acquired even more confidence
by overcoming those handicaps.
“Knowing that even though I went
in as the youngest volunteer, being
a woman, and being put into a
workplace where it was mostly men
in their 40’ s, 50’s, and 60’s, and even
in that patriarchal society – I actually
gained their respect. Now I know
even though it might take me a
while to do something – I can do it.”
Not only was Leslie successful in
her endeavors, but she was also
successful at becoming a part of the
town. Lehze was not just a place of
work for her – it became her home.
“I made some really good friends,”
she smiles and launches into praise
for her host family, referring to them
as an ‘adopted family.’ “Just the
sweetest people…they understood
that in the beginning my language
wasn’t very good – so you know,
being patient with me, making sure
that I understood what was going
on, what needed to be done. But
also taking the time to go the extra
step and not only teach me what
I needed to know, but then going
into the history behind it – cultures,
superstitions, and customs. I think
that really helped me integrate into
the community.”
Having traveled overseas numerous
times in the past, Leslie wasn’t
nervous about being abroad –
though she notes this was the first
time she didn’t know the language.
She shakes her head and smiles
complacently as she struggles to
relate what adjustments she had to
make. Weren’t you homesick? What
about the food – was it hard to get
used to? Or living out of a suitcase –
did you miss your stuff? No, no,
and no.
So what did the adaptable
adventurer find difficult? “I think the
hardest thing was getting used to
the culture. It’s very different from
American culture…it’s very slowpaced, very relaxed – easy going,”
she explains. Clearly, drastically
different from the hustle and bustle
of Chicago that she grew accustomed
to at RMU. “And what ended up in
the end being my favorite part was
the culture because it is so easy
going and relaxed. They have what
I like to call a ‘coffee culture,’ so most
of the work is actually done in cafes
– drinking coffee. It’s great!” she
beams.
And she plans to do it all over again.
This time immersing herself in the
Moroccan culture, where she will
begin another 2-1/2 year stint with
the Peace Corp. “It’ll be a lot different
from Albania, but I’m sure it’s gonna
be just as wonderful.”
Leslie racked up hands-on experience in the workforce, developing
the skills and confidence needed to make a name and a home for
herself in a foreign country.
13
Busy December Days at RMU
Everywhere you looked, there were students, chefs, high school students, tour guides, graduate
students, faculty, staff, football players…and more! December was a busy month at the downtown
Chicago campus and everyone at RMU involved in the many events couldn’t be happier.
High school students participated in a special RMU day, getting tours and information on
admission. Other high school students participated in a Culinary Throw Down, in which they were
given a recipe, ingredients, utensils and then were set loose to create a dish for a panel of judges.
Head Football Coach, Jared Williamson, and his football staff, welcomed potential players and their
parents for a series of sessions on the football program and RMU’s student athletics.
The Morris Graduate School of Management held its annual Professional Development Week with
a series of speakers and a holiday reception prepared by the Institute of Culinary Arts.
It was a great way to end 2010, with lots of people of all ages learning about – and experiencing –
Robert Morris University.
TOP LEFT: Grad students enjoy
the holiday reception in the RMU
culinary dining room.
TOP RIGHT: Parents watched
through the glass walls of the
RMU kitchens and their students
cooked up their entries.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Graduate
students enjoy the sushi bar at
the Holiday Reception.
14
BOTTOM LEFT: High school
students participate in the
Culinary Throwdown.
TOP LEFT: High school athletes
considering the football program
at RMU attended information
sessions in the auditorium.
TOP RIGHT: Nicole Farinella, dean
of Institutional Recruitment, leads
a lively meeting of parents and
potential students during RMU’s
High School visit day.
BOTTOM LEFT: Dr. Tawfik Sharkasi
of the Wm. Wrigley Company
spoke to graduate students as part
of the Professional Development
Week speakers’ series.
RMU Alumni Buy Books
This year’s alumni annual fund had a distinct purpose: helping current students buy
books. The 2010-11 RMU Book Campaign asked alumni to consider a gift that would
help ease the burden of buying books. “Alumni remember the cost of books from the
bookstore every quarter,” said Kerry Malm, assistant to the President. “If each RMU
alum could help out with the purchase of one book, it would be a wonderful gift to
RMU and to our students.”
If you haven’t made your annual fund gift to RMU yet, you can do so through the
RMU website (www.robertmorris.edu/development/fund/) or by sending a check to:
Robert Morris University, Development Office, 401 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605.
15
BLEND:
to support and sponsor various
charitable organizations in any way
possible such as the DuPage County
People’s Resource Center, the Susan
G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk, the
Chicago Cares organization, and
The National Guard unit in Joliet, IL.
They are also planning a five course
dinner with all proceeds going
to support their upcoming
charitable projects.
On December 2, 2010, Robert Morris
University’s culinary service group,
Cooks for a Cause, (CFC) unveiled
their latest venture, Blend, the
culinary school’s first-ever cookbook.
CFC solicited recipes from students,
alumni, faculty and staff. The
book features one from President
MICHAEL VIOLLT, Provost MABLENE
KRUEGER and Celebrity Chef, GALE
GAND. Blend incorporates a diverse
array of brunch, antipasto, dinner,
and dessert dishes to satisfy each
particular palate such as, Roasted
Tomato and Basil Soup, Goat
Cheese Bruschetta, and Italian
Chocolate Cookies.
Cooks for a Cause is dedicated
to encouraging others to “serve
wholeheartedly and give selflessly
through the passion of food.”
Throughout the year, CFC strives
16
After working on Blend diligently
for over a year, Cooks for a Cause
has merely just begun their journey
to cookbook stardom. BRAD HINDSLEY,
CFC advisor, stumbled upon the
idea of creating a Robert Morris
cookbook after pondering possible
plans for an exciting fundraiser to
match RMU’s initiative of Feeding
Illinois. After gaining wholehearted
approval from NANCY ROTUNNO,
executive director and dean for the
Robert Morris Institute of Culinary
Robert Morris’ First-Ever
Cookbook Hits Shelves
BY CASSI PETRUSEVSKI
submissions while the graphic
arts students were responsible for
the design of the entire cookbook.
Additionally, CATHERYN ALAIMO, RMU
student and Cooks for a Cause
President, included a special excerpt
on food safety and sanitation to help
newcomers and foodies alike have
fun in the kitchen while practicing
safe handling. After four separate
revisions, Blend is now on the
bookshelves.
Their work is not over yet. Brad
Hindlsey and Cooks for a Cause
still have a lengthy agenda for
marketing and promotion of Blend.
In addition to the aforementioned
dinner, CFC is relying heavily on
mass e-mails and word of mouth to
generate additional sales.
“We are hoping the cookbook sells
itself,” Catheryn Alaimo expressed
after discussing Blend’s significant
individuality.
“Cooks for a Cause already has an admirable record
of helping others. This cookbook continues that
tradition while documenting their good foods. Enjoy!”
Arts, Hindsley collaborated with
his CFC members along with
SHELLEY LAMANTIA, RMU director of
International and Domestic Studies
and graphic arts instructor, to create
a plan of attack. After requesting
recipes, the Cooks for a Cause
members focused on collecting,
testing, and editing the many
Robert Morris University is
extremely proud of their firstever cookbook, Blend, and greatly
appreciate the time and energy of
all involved.
“I have wanted to create an RMU
cookbook for years. When Brad
approached me about the idea, I was
all for it!” Nancy Rotunno exclaimed
during the unveiling ceremony.
Robert Morris President, Michael P.
Viollt, was also an avid supporter
of Blend stating, “Cooks for a Cause
already has an admirable record
of helping others. This cookbook
continues that tradition while
documenting their good foods.
Enjoy!”
Already planning the next year
of events, Brad Hindsley hopes to
implement an annual tradition by
presenting a new, fresh, innovative
cookbook each year for all food
enthusiasts to appreciate.
“Our goal for next year is to generate
more student involvement in the
actual creation of the cookbook.
More student recipes and volunteers
in development and design will make
the final product even more diverse
and delicious!” Hindsley commented.
Alumni interested in contributing
recipes can send them to Brad at
[email protected].
To purchase a copy of Blend, fill out the order form below and send with your check made out to:
RMU Cooks for a Cause to: Chef Brad Hindsley | Robert Morris University | 401 S. State Street | Chicago, IL 60605
Proceeds from the sale of Blend go to benefit Feeding Illinois
NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP: _____________________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE SEND ME ________ COPIES OF BLEND.
I have enclosed a check for $10 + $3 shipping and handling ($13 total) for each copy.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. SEND US YOUR NEWS.
NAME
MAIDEN
CLASS YEAR
DEGREE
MAJOR
EMAIL
ADDRESS
CHANGE OF ADDRESS?
HELP US KEEP OUR
RECORDS UP TO DATE.
MAIL OR EMAIL US YOUR NEWS:
INCLUDE NAME/FORMER NAME
ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP
EMAIL/WORK EMAIL
WORK PHONE/HOME PHONE
EMPLOYER
NEWS
MAIL TO: ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY, ALUMNI OFFICE, 401 S. STATE STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60605
OR EMAIL TO: [email protected]
17
Where You Hang Your Hat…
PROFILE: JAIME ROSALES
For Jaime Rosales, it was like a
homecoming. It was a nice fall day,
he had a day off from work and he
decided to do what he had said he
would a number of years ago – return
to the place where he started to put his
accounting skills to work. That place was
the accounting department at Robert
Morris University’s main campus.
We aren’t talking about the academic
offices for accounting in the School of
Business Administration; we mean
the offices that handle the internal
accounting needs for the entire
University. It was where Jaime got
his feet wet as an accountant, where
he earned some valuable experience
while completing his degree.
As he walked down the hallway
toward his old department, he was
met with a few double-takes and
a couple “Hey, what are you doing
here?” Jaime checked in with some
old friends and found out who was
handling some of the duties he
handled back in 2006.
He has taken quite a few steps in
an upward direction since then; but
considering how he tackled high
school and college, it’s no surprise.
A resident of Alsip, he attended
Shepherd High School in Palos
Heights and finished in three years.
He had his eye on RMU’s Orland
Park campus where his older
sister attended classes, and when
he discovered he had earned a
scholarship as a result of an essay
18
“Working in the accounting department gave me
some experience that others my age wouldn’t have
on their resume.”
competition and his academic record,
RMU was a sure fit. “I also like the
idea of the accelerated pace at Robert
Morris,” he said.
It didn’t take long before Jaime
became involved in more than just
business classes. He worked on
the Eagle newspaper and ended
up splitting his time between the
Orland campus and downtown. He
completed his bachelor’s degree when
he was 19.
“I guess I’m kind of driven,” he
continued. “When I know there is
something I want to do, I just go
ahead and do it.” Once he learned of
RMU’s MBA program, he completed
his graduate degree by age 21 in 2008.
Today, Jaime is an internal control
analyst for Coca-Cola at their
Niles offices. He has moved to an
apartment in Lakeview and is
enjoying his job, his city, and his life.
Since his first days as a Robert Morris
freshman, Jaime has taken advantage
of the positive opportunities that
came his way. “Working in the
accounting department gave me
some experience that others my age
wouldn’t have on their resume,”
he said. “Then networking with a
friend got me the introduction I
needed when an opening occurred
at Coke where I started out as a
financial analyst. My performance
and graduate work helped me get
promoted.”
Returning to the Chicago campus for
an afternoon visit seemed to put it
all in a familiar perspective: you’re
always welcome to come home.
What’s Going on with RMU Alums…
1972
2005
SUSAN CROUCH LENNON writes:
VERONICA PEREZ SANCEN was
“I am a graduate of RMC Carthage
which ended up rewarding me
with a nice career. I cherished
my time, friends and memories
there. I still dream of those late
night donuts we had to bring up
into the dorm on tied sheets out
the window. I keep in touch with
a few people from the 1970-1972
years, but I am desperately
looking for my adorable roomie
Tracy Ellis and would appreciate
any news if anyone knows of her
whereabouts. My contact info is
[email protected].
1979
TERESA BENNER, medical assisting
alumna, lives in Williamsville,
Illinois. She writes: “After working
as a medical assistant for several
years, I started working for Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Now
24 years later, I am the Senior
Manager of Claims and Customer
Service in the Springfield office.
Life is great!”
1985
RUTH ANN NALLEY BARBER writes
that she would love to connect
with former classmates who
attended Carthage in 1985. She
owns her own Corporate Housing
Property Management business
in Manteno.
2001
ANTHONY WILLIAMS, an accounting
alumnus, lives in Miami Beach,
FL. After receiving his associate
degree at RMU, he completed a
bachelor’s at DeVry and a master’s
from Liberty University. He
intends to pursue his PhD.
promoted to administrator in the
company catalog center for ASHRO
in Westmont.
2008
NANTASHA TRIBBLE received her
BBA from RMU and after working
in financial aid at Spertus College,
she took a position as a case
manager with Mercy Housing.
She writes, “…and finding it to be
truly rewarding!”
2010
JACQUI NICHOLSON graduated last
year with her associate degree
in culinary arts. Recently she has
been entering cooking contests
and ended up as a finalist for the
Real Women of Philadelphia by
Kraft (as in Philadelphia cream
cheese). The contest featured Chef
Paula Deen who was looking for
the best cream cheese recipes in
different categories. Jacqui entered
the side dish category and was
named
one of the
sixteen
finalists
out
of almost 6,000 video entries.
(To see Jacqui’s video, go to
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=BNmEv5sZprA.) Kraft
flew the finalists out to Savannah
to compete. Says Jacqui, “Although
I didn’t win, the experience was
amazing! Kraft allowed me to
take part in their recent Touch of
Giving campaign – a great way to
give back to those in need.”
Jacqui has her own blog called
Hipstir Fresh that is geared
toward kids, teens and young
professionals, getting them back
in the kitchen (www.hipstirfresh.
com). “I’m trying to encourage
people to put the over-processed
foods away and bring back fresh
ingredients. There are recipes,
giveaways and all sorts of cool
things happening on the site.
Hipster Fresh will also start
in-school cooking demos at the
beginning of the new year. So
that’s a little of what’s been going
on with me!”
In Memoriam
JANICE J. HOWARD BAKALAR of Streator
passed away in July. She received
her associate degree in 1983.
RMU
students,
faculty
and staff
remembered
former
Athletic Director RON FALOONA at a
memorial service in September.
Ron passed away in August at the
age of 72.
Ron came to Robert Morris after a
number of years at Northeastern
Illinois University. He was named
the NAIA Coach of the Year in
1979 and 1980, was named to the
CCAC hall of Fame in 1992, and
the Robert Morris University
Hall of Fame in 2010. During
his tenure at Robert Morris, the
Athletic Department grew to one
of the largest programs of any
private college in Illinois. After
retiring, Ron continued to support
the Eagles through recruitment
and volunteering at fundraising
events. His presence at Robert
Morris will be missed; his family
requested that donations in Ron’s
memory be made to the RMU
Athletic Department.
19
401 S. STATE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60605
800-762-5960
www.robertmorris.edu
Editor: Nancy S. Donohoe, 312-935-6715
[email protected]
The RMU
Online Bookstore
Show your Eagle pride with RMU wear from
the online bookstore, part of the RMU website.
Simply go to http://ebookstore.robertmorris.edu/
and browse through the many different
sweatshirts, hats, shirts, souvenirs and gifts.
Just follow the directions on the ebookstore
page and place your order!