VOL. XXVII No.

FA L L 2 0 1 0

President William J. Hynes

reflects on his first 45 days
Pre sident’s Me ssage

William J. Hynes, Ph.D. – President

E very fall, new Holy Names University students assemble for the “Rite of
Passage” in the Corrigan Courtyard. The name of each new student is written in
colored chalk on the two staircases. With family members, faculty, and staff lin-
ing the two sides of the south staircase, the new students climb the 105 steps to
the top where they are greeted, welcomed, and blessed by the President.
What is a rite of passage? It is a ritual that enables people to move from one state
in life to another. Rites of passage help both individuals, who move through
these changes, and the communities, in which these changes happen, absorb the
significance of these changes.
On March 16, 2011, Holy Names University community will experience another
rite of passage, the inauguration of the 17th President of Holy Names University.
On that day our Board of Trustees will formally invest me with the title, symbols
and seal of the University.
I am thrilled to add my energy, talents, and skills to help Holy Names Univer-
sity continue to fulfill its mission. I am honored to succeed Sr. Rosemarie Nas-
sif SSND, President Emerita, who transformed Holy Names University into the
major force that it is today.
From the first time I stepped on this campus in the 1990s until now, I have been
tremendously impressed by this community’s commitment to diversity, social jus-
tice, and radical hospitality. This past spring, I felt the depth of this commitment
when I met the search committee. This deepened when I came to campus as a
finalist. As one who has tried to live these same values as a teacher and adminis-
trator, being here feels like coming home.
With God’s blessing and your support, I know that together we can take Holy
Names University to its next level of excellence.

William J. Hynes, Ph.D.

President

F all 2010 Volume XXVII N o . 2
Contents
2  resident Hynes Leads
P
“Rite of Passage” Ceremony
In his first public appearance,
President Hynes leads HNU’s annual
orientation weekend ceremony.
8
President Hynes First 45 Days
Dr. William J. Hynes reflects on his
first 45 days in office and the priorities
of his presidency.
10 Golf Team Best in History
The Hawks completed their most
impressive season to date, garnering
a 5th place NAIA ranking and two
All American honors.
12 Alumni Spotlight:
Reflections on life after
graduation
The journey to the top began at HNU
for veteran video game designer,
Mike Stout ’01.
17 In Memoriam:
Neil W. McDaniel,
Trustee Emeritus
The HNU community bids farewell
to one of its greatest ambassadors.
VOL. XXV No. 1
Holy Names University is a private, four-year, co-ed,
Catholic university located on 60 wooded acres in
the hills of Oakland, California. An academic com-
munity committed to the full development of each
student, HNU offers a liberal education rooted in the
Catholic tradition, empowering a diverse student
body for leadership and service
in a diverse world.
HNU Today strengthens the shared connection
between alumni, the University and the commu-
nity. The magazine is published two times a year
for the University’s alumni and friends by the Office
of Institutional Advancement. The diverse opinions
expressed in HNU Today do not necessarily repre-
sent the views of the editors nor polices of Holy
Names University.
Comments for the editor may be sent via email to:
alumni@hnu.edu
Or in writing to:
Holy Names University
Attn: Alumni Relations
3500 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619
8 Update your contact information online at:
www.hnu.edu/alumni/alumniUpdateForm.html
University Officers
2 Campus News Dr. William J. Hynes, President
Dav Cvitkovic, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
4 Student News Stuart Koop, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Lizbeth Martin, Vice President for Academic Affairs
7 Faculty News Michael Miller, Vice President for Student Affairs
Sr. Carol Sellman, Vice President for Mission Effectiveness
8 Main Feature
Alumni Executive Board President
Julie N. Echaniz ’75
10 Hawk Sports Center
Past Presidents Board President
Eileen M. Weston ’62
12 Alumni News
HNU Today Staff
16 Fundraising News This issue of HNU Today is directed and published by
the Office of Institutional Advancement:
18 SNJM News Executive Editor
Dav Cvitkovic, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
19 Class Notes
Editor
20 In Memoriam John R. McCoy, Director of Alumni Relations
Contributing Writers
21 Last Word Jennell Jimenez ‘11
John R. McCoy
On the Cover
President Hynes with Anitra McCain, Michael Mosby ’88
President of the Associated Students Lesley Sims, Director of Marketing/PR
of Holy Names, and Riley Tang,
Men’s Volleyball Graduate Assistant. Design and Production
Cover photo by: Maria Theren, Graphic Designer
Stephen Woo, husband of Theresa Rush Woo ’85
www.swoo.com
FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  1
 C ampus News

President Hynes Leads “Rite of Passage” Ceremony

Ashley Bruce ’12, Jillian Godfrey ’11 and Anjelica Zeno ‘12 prepare for the “Rite of Passage” ceremony by inscribing the names of entering
students’ on the iconic HNU steps. (Below) President Hynes talks with new and returning students during orientation festivities.

I n his first public appearance as President

of Holy Names University, Dr. William J. Hynes led
President Hynes pointed out
that students of HNU will
incoming students through “The Rite of Passage” cer- experience “radical hospital-
emony on Saturday, August 21. The Rite of Passage Cer- ity.” He explained that in
emony, an annual orientation activity, symbolizes the HNU’s eyes each student is
beginning of entering students’ educational journey by the most important person
climbing HNU’s iconic steps from the bottom of cam- in the world. This perspec-
pus to the top. tive comes from the rich
The 105 stairs at the center of the campus are at the Catholic tradition and the
heart of this traditional ceremony. The day before, up- founding spirit of the Sisters
per classmen inscribe each entering students’ names in of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
pastel chalk on the iconic HNU steps. When the official President Hynes implored the students to embrace this time
“Rite of Passage” begins, the parents, family and friends in their lives by asking questions in the pursuit of knowl-
of the incoming students along with HNU faculty and edge and advised each student who may be embarrassed to
staff, gather on both sides of the steps. The entering stu- ask questions to say, “I have the President’s permission.”
dents begin at the bottom of the stairs and with each In his closing remarks, President Hynes challenged stu-
step along their journey to the top they see their names dents, after they graduate, to help others set their sights
written on the steps and are welcomed to HNU with beyond narrow horizons, stating “You are being empow-
cheers and applause from family, friends and staff. ered to make it a better and more just world during your
In his official welcome to the entering students, journey at Holy Names University.”

2  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868

HNU Summer Institutes
Over 45 teachers and musicians participated in the 2010 Kodály Summer Institute.

S ummer 2010 welcomed the return of two HNU traditions: The 42nd Annual Kodály Summer Institute
and the 14th Annual Sophia Center Summer Institute. Participants from across the country and from as far as
Poland and Japan converged upon the HNU campus to embrace the learning opportunities offered by each of the
institutes.
The Kodály Center for Music Education offers training “I was delighted by the level of participation from the at-
and resources for teachers, conductors, parents, and oth- tendees and excited by the multiple conversations about
ers interested in the musical development of children. social justice, peace and the environment that the Insti-
Held from July 12–13, The Kodály Summer Institute tute helped to initiate. It is a joy to know that our center
attracted over 45 teachers and musicians. is helping to fuel enlightenment and peace through our
Judit Hartyányi, Associate Professor of Choral Conduct- programming” stated Jim Conlon, Director of the So-
ing at the Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary returned phia Center.
once again to conduct the HNU Kodály Institute Choir The work from the 2010 summer institutes will continue
and teach the advanced levels of musicianship and con- into the current academic year. Both institutes have al-
ducting. One of the highlights of this year’s institute was ready established dates for their 2011 summer programs.
the preparation and performance of compositions by The 2011 Sophia Summer Institute will be held from
HNU Music Faculty members for the concert on July July 14–17, 2011(visit www.hnu.edu/sophia for more in-
30th. Pieces performed by the larger Institute Choir in- formation). The 2011 Kodály Summer Institute will be
cluded “Hark all ye lovely saints” by Thomas Weelkes, held from July 11–19 (visit www.hnu.edu/kodaly for more
“For true love” by Péter Tóth, “The Three Kings” by Heal- information).
ey Willan and “A Christmas Carol” by Zoltán Kodály.
From July 15–20th, participants in the Sophia Center’s
Summer Institute engaged in interactive workshops and
dialogues that explored the work of Thomas Berry, the
preeminent ecological thinker, across such areas as the
relationship between social justice and the new cosmol-
ogy. The Sophia Center’s spirituality program is intended
to integrate a variety of elements, including social justice,
ecological awareness and one’s spiritual expression.

FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  3

 student News
International Summer Adventure:
An HNU
Student’s
Summer
Abroad
W ith each passing day the world becomes
a little bit smaller due to advances in communication
and the growing globalization of commerce. In response,
university officials from across the country, including
right here at HNU, are increasingly encouraging stu-
dents to pursue international study opportunities.
The annual winter Global Immersion Trip to either
Oaxaca, Mexico or El Salvador is one of the most popu-
lar study abroad experiences at HNU. The 10-day im-
mersion trip provides students with an invaluable cross-
cultural adventure that prepares them for the global
marketplace. The program is linked to HNU’s Religious
Studies and Latin American Studies program as a means
to integrate substantive academic material that explores
4  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868
the history, culture and religious perspective of the cho-
sen destination.
According to Martivon Gallindo, Professor of Latin
American Studies, “the January study trips are very
popular because they don’t have the commitment for an
entire semester. But I really encourage the students to go
for a semester because then they have the full experience
of being on their own and knowing another culture, get-
ting to know another way of life to compare their lives
in the United States.”
After traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico with the HNU Glob-
al Immersion program in January 2010, Jennell Maria
Jimenez ’11, an HNU senior majoring in Business Mar-
keting and Management, was inspired to pursue study-
ing abroad on her own. Jennell spent
this past summer abroad at the Uni-
versity of Guadalajara, in Guadalaja-
ra, Mexico. “The immersion class at
HNU sparked within me a passion,
love and desire to learn and embrace
my Hispanic culture. When I went
to Oaxaca in January, I went with
an open mind and experienced first-
hand how rich the Latin American
culture and communities are.”
“I am thankful to
attend a University
that truly empowers
you to pursue your
passion and provides
the necessary tools
for you to explore the
world.”
While in Guadalajara, Jennell par-
ticipated in a five week long pro-
gram with students from all over
the world. “I had the opportunity to
explore the city of Guadalajara, its
amazing architecture, Cathedrals,
museums, and art galleries. I was to-
tally immersed in the culture which
helped to improve my Spanish vo-
cabulary and pronunciation; I got a
jump start on learning Spanish for
the years to come.”
The benefits students receive from
studying abroad are endless. In a
globalized world, studying abroad is
a valuable experience for future em-
ployment and is a wonderful oppor-
tunity for students to receive expo-
sure to a wide diversity of cultures,
thoughts and opinions. After spend-
ing time abroad, Jennell has become
a strong advocate for encouraging
all students to take advantage of
study abroad opportunities offered
at HNU. “Overall my study abroad
experience was absolutely amazing,”
shared Jennell “No matter where a
student goes, I highly recommend
doing it. It allowed me to step out of
my comfort zone and find out things
about myself and others that I would
have never known. I learned a lot
about Latin-American culture, the
Spanish language, and made new
life long bonds. I am thankful to
attend a University that truly em-
powers you to pursue your passion
and provides the necessary tools for
you to explore the world.”
Clockwise from
top: Jennell at the
ancient ruins at
Guachimontones;
La Minerva monu-
ment; Guadalajara
Cathedral; Jose
Clemente Orozco’s
Mural of Hidalgo;
the University of
Guadalajara.
Opposite page:
Guadalajara Plaza,
Zapopan Plaza;
Jennell at her
Abulita’s (Grand-
mother) house in
Mexico. FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  5
 Student News

Student-Athlete Leads
Campus Blood Drive Campaign

An HNU student gives blood during the first blood

drive of the academic year.

Patrick Turner ’12 participated in the

2010 Red Cross/NAIA Leadership Program
in Washington D.C.

T his past summer, Pat-

rick Turner, HNU Junior and “The amount of units
the academic year. “The Bay Area is
in need of donations and for us to be
Men’s Basketball guard, traveled able to give back to local hospitals
to Washington D.C. to partici- collected is still unknown is great,” Patrick emphasized during
pate in two weeks of leadership at his point, but just the first blood drive of the academic
training at the Red Cross Nation- year on September 7th. “70 members
seeing our community
al Headquarters. The experience of the Holy Names community par-
provided Patrick and 12 other come together for this ticipated in offering to give back; the
NAIA student athletes, with a first drive was amazing.” largest amount we’ve ever had before”
rare opportunity to acquire pro- reported Patrick. “The amount of
fessional leadership training from units collected is still unknown at this
Senior Red Cross leaders on how to successfully imple- point, but just seeing our community come together for
ment campus-wide blood drives. this first drive was amazing.”
“The leadership training impressed upon me, and the Patrick is currently working in conjunction with other
other student-athletes, the ability we have as campus HNU community members to plan three additional
leaders to effectively reach our peers and help them to
drives for the year. He is hopeful that each subsequent
understand the importance of blood donations” said drive will be as successful as the first, stating “I think
Patrick. we can still get more members of our community to
Upon returning to HNU in the fall, Patrick immedi- give. I am excited to see what happens.”
ately began planning multiple campus blood drives for

6  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868

Facult y News
New HNU Faculty
Dr. Tze Tsang, HNU’s new
Achieving New Heights: A ssista nt
Professor of

Updates from HNU Faculty Chemistry,

received his
Ph.D. from
On May 24th, the Board of Trustees af- UC Davis.
firmed the recommendation of the Rank For the past
and Tenure Committee to promote 10 years he
Marion Marshall, MS, BCET to worked in
the rank of Associate Professor. Marion is research as
Director of the Educational Therapy Pro- a Senior Scientist at Exelixis, a bio-
gram, which, due to her leadership, has technology company. His area of ex-
gained national recognition. The commit- pertise is medicinal chemistry with
tee praised Marion, stating “we are grateful a focus on discovering new drugs
for all that she has helped achieve at Holy to treat cancer. At HNU, he looks
Names in her 15-year tenure and look for- forward to dedicating his complete
ward to many more years to come.” attention to pursuing his passion for
teaching.

Dr. Fay L. Bower, Chairperson and

Professor of the Department of Nursing
spearheaded the University’s launch of a Dr. Ian Sammis earned his
new degree completion program for adult Ph.D. in
learners, HNU’s License Vocational Nurse mathemat-
to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. ics from
The new program is the first in the Bay UC Berke-
Area to provide LVN’s a path to advance ley in 2009,
their career within the health industry by and holds
earning a BSN. an MA in
mathemat-
ics from
SFSU and
Gail Needleman, Lecturer in Music, an MS in physics from Caltech. As
has been awarded a residency at The Mesa the new Assistant Professor of Math-
Refuge, a writers’ retreat located in Point ematics, he is focusing on reviving
Reyes Station, CA that encourages writings the mathematics minor, and hopes
about nature, economics and social equity. that HNU will graduate a student
During her retreat, Gail will be working on with the minor at the end of the aca-
a book about music, nature and the human demic year.
spirit.

FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  7

 Fe ature story
A Bright Future Ahead: President Hynes’ First 45 Days
P
resident William J. Hynes, Ph.D. reached
the 45-day mark as Holy Names University’s 17th Presi-
dent on September 14th. Since he assumed office on Au-
gust 1st, his time has been filled with high energy, new
ideas and substantive community dialogue.
A Warm Reception
As soon as he arrived on campus, President Hynes im-
mersed himself into listening, learning and planning
strategic priorities for the year ahead. He has been highly
visible at a large number of events, including Orientation
Weekend’s Rite of Passage Ceremony, Convocation and
the Faculty Senate. He has met with members of the
Sisters of the Holy Names, Board of Trustees, Regents,
alumni, and donors. He held meetings with faculty and
staff, participated in a three-day strategic planning re-
treat with senior university administrators, and met with
a wide cross-section of student groups and organizations.
He said, “I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know the
community. I feel extremely welcomed and feel people’s
excitement about what we can do together.”
The opportunity to explore the hopes, needs and chal-
lenges of each of the University’s stakeholders, affirmed
for President Hynes the academic and administrative
strengths of the University community. “I am impressed
8  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868
Photos by Stephen Woo, husband of Theresa Rush Woo ’85
with the density of human talent at all levels,” he shared.
“I have learned that the heft of the institution, the feel
of the institution, is double what it looks like on paper.
There is a tremendous alignment of talent both within
the institution, and in support of the institution; Holy
Names University is well loved, well respected and in-
creasingly well supported.”
Becoming Visible
Sharing the Holy Names University ethos with the
greater community, the Oakland Bay Area region, and
the world, is a priority for the new President. “We have
an excellent mission that is distinct and vital. The chal-
lenge is that our ethos or mission is not as widely known
as it deserves to be,” said President Hynes. “Today, we
tend to call this ‘our brand’. Growing up I thought a
brand was a hot instrument applied to the hind end of
an animal. Now I see brand as the essence that arises
from an institution; it is who we are. In terms of Holy
Names, we are a community dedicated to the success of
every one of our students. For 142 years we have been
transforming human beings into leaders for tomorrow.”
President Hynes advocates that strengthening the Uni-
versity’s existing relationship with the Oakland Bay Area
community and forming new relationships is inextricably
tied to greater visibility to the University and its brand. As nancial and fundraising success. A firm partnership with
he sees it, “the University’s deep commitment and consis- the University community, alumni, donors, faculty, and
tency to its core values attracts a diverse array of people staff is key and Hynes implores each constituency to
contribute by reconnecting with the HNU of today and
sharing what they believe makes HNU unique.
When asked how community members can contribute,
Hynes said “open your hearts, open your minds and
come for a visit. Come see what we are doing today,
come see our students and come to tell the ones who
educated you how critically important that was. Tell us
your most important memories about your times at Holy
Names. Tell us about the one thing this President should
never ever change. Tell us about the moral moments you
President Hynes meets with his Cabinet: (left to right) Lizbeth remember, moments such as when the Sisters, faculty
Martin, Dav Cvitkovic, Michael Miller, President Hynes, Stuart
Koop, Sr. Carol Sellman, SNJM, BA ‘69, MA ‘78. and staff stood up for social justices and human dignity,
and made a difference in the community.”
who resonate with our core values. Our students want to
be part of our community because they find that when A Bright Future Ahead
they embrace our core values, they are empowered for suc-
No one is more excited about the future of Holy Names
cess and for contributing to the common good.” Towards
University than Dr. Hynes. An avid wine connoisseur, he
that end, President Hynes looks forward to telling the his-
evokes a favored viticulturist expression, “the vines that
toric Holy Names story of civic engagement to the wider
have had to overcome the greatest challenges often give
community and helping to deepen the depth and breadth
the best wine”, to describe Holy Names University. “Hu-
of that engagement in the future.
man faith in our mission, resilient acts of altruism, and
courage to succeed in the face
A Community in of formidable challenges, has
Transition produced a powerfully fo-
One needs only to hear of cused, nimble, and creative
President Hynes’ record University.”
of academic and business After just 45 days on the job,
achievements to know that the President’s interaction
his talents are a good recip- with the community frames
rocal fit to the current needs his vision for an auspicious
of Holy Names University. future. “The community’s
A veteran administrator in The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees (left to right)
Alan Hyman, President William Hynes, The Honorable Carol A. radical commitment to di-
Catholic higher education, Corrigan ’70, JD, Ronald Rosequist, JD, Chair of the Board, versity, hospitality, and social
Cynthia Canning, SNJM ’68, MA and Mary Pat LeRoy, SNJM ’68.
Hynes speaks glowingly of Absent: James P. Kelly, MBA, Vice Chair of the Board and justice is phenomenal; it is
Barbara E. Hood ’70, MPA.
his predecessor, Sr. Rosema- one of the major advantages
rie Nassif, SSND: “She has of Holy Names University.” He continued, “right now,
left an amazing legacy. Holy Names University will be where we stand, there’s no better and no more important
forever in her debt.” Hynes eagerly accepts the not in- place for an educational institution to be. Because we are
significant challenge to harness the momentum of his part of an inspiring, energizing, empowering organiza-
predecessor and to achieve new levels of academic, fi- tion, with God’s help we can produce inspiring, energiz-
ing, and powerful results.” FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  9
 Hawk Sports center

Golf Team Best in History

HNU’s 2nd and 3rd golfers to be added to the Men’s Golf All American Team, Stephan Edman (right) and Garrett True (left).

F or the first time in HNU’s

history, two HNU Hawks made the
“I’m very proud of
every member of the
history. He finished the year with a
stroke average of just above 73 and
2010 Men’s Golf All-American Team. earned medalist honors at the CBU
team who contributed
Senior, Garrett True, and Junior, Ste- Spring Break Intercollegiate. “Gar-
phen Edman, became the 2nd and to our achievements rett really deserves this,” said Coach
3rd HNU golfers to be added to the this season. It has Hutton. “His work ethic, determina-
list of All-Americans. tion and self-belief are the reason he
been a great year and had such a great year. Garrett has set
“This is a great day for the program,”
said Greg Hutton, former Men’s Golf
the NAIA All-American an example to follow for other mem-
Coach, upon hearing the news on announcement bers of the team.”
May 24th. “At the end of May, when Edman, a junior from Canyon
validates what this
the 2010 NAIA Men’s Golf National Lakes, CA earned second-team All-
Championship wrapped up, HNU team is all about.” American honors after battling back
finished in fifth place. Following the from a mid-season injury that side-
NAIA announcement of the fifth place ranking, the lined him for more than a month. Edman had a stroke
team was recognized by the Holy Names University’s average of just less than 73 and earned medalist honors
Board of Trustees. True, a 2010 graduate from Corona, in multiple events.
CA earned first-team All-American honors capping off Coach Hutton emphasized, “I’m very proud of every
the most successful year for an individual in HNU golf member of the team who contributed to our achieve-

10  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868

ments this season. It has been a great
year and the NAIA All-American
announcement validates what this
team is all about.”
After four successful years with the
HNU Hawks, Coach Hutton bid
farewell to the Golf Team at the end
of July, “I will never forget the last
four years at HNU. The success of
the program was great, but the kids
that I got to coach and the relation-
ship that I created was what this was
all about.”
Three HNU Teams Honored as
Coach Eric Stone, Coach Hutton’s
right-hand man throughout the golf
NAIA Scholar Teams
program’s journey of success, as- On July 27th, the National Association of Intercollegiate
sumed the Head Golf Coach posi- Athletics (NAIA) released its Annual list of NAIA Scholar
tion on August 1. “Eric has been a vi-
Teams. 857 teams made the list and three belong to HNU.
tal part of Men’s Golf, he has worked
closely with Coach Hutton to build To be considered for the Scholar Team list, the student ath-
one of the best golf programs in the letes from each team must have a combined average GPA of
country. This was a natural transi-
3.0 or higher based on a 4.0 scale.
tion and one that will allow Men’s
Golf to continue along the path of
Congratulations to our 2010 NAIA Scholar Teams on their
academic and athletic success that
we have come to expect,” said Ath- remarkable achievement
letic Director Dennis Jones.
A few of Coach Stone’s personal
Women’s Basketball 3.03 GPA
goals for the 2010-2011 season in- Women’s Soccer 3.05 GPA
clude: “finishing better than 5th at
Nationals next year, and to make Men’s Golf 3.28 GPA
sure student-athletes maintain good
For a complete listing of athletic events visit www.hnu.edu
grades.”

Senior Garrett True (left) and

Junior Stephen Edman (right)
were Named NAIA All-Americans.

FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  11

 Alumni News

Alumni Spotlight:
Reflections on life after graduation
S ince graduating in 2001, Michael Stout has
been making waves within the Video Game Industry.
Mike recently authored a featured article for Gamasutra.
com, the online version of Game Developer Magazine
and is frequently referenced across the blog-sphere as a
“veteran video game designer”. Because Mike’s experi-
ence truly epitomizes the amazing opportunities alumni
embrace upon leaving HNU, we invited Mike to share
with us his career in a brief interview.

Share with us what you do?

I am a Game Design Specialist for Activision Blizzard, it took me more than 6 months to find a job (something
“a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distribu- that I’m sure graduates coming out into the current reces-
tor of interactive entertainment and sion can sympathize with). I eventually
leisure products.” My job is to work ended up at Earthlink as a Phone Tech
with our first party (owned by Ac- Support Agent for the graveyard shift.
tivision) and third party (non-owned The job was awful. I started looking
independent company) game devel- for another job, and I started thinking
opers, give feedback, and basically do again of video games, a dream career I
whatever is needed to help bring up always wanted ever since I was a kid.
the quality of our games from a Game I made a ton of applications to video
Design perspective. The ultimate goal game companies, but with no experi-
is to make the game fun. By writing ence it was impossible for me to get
documents, making maps, doing il- past the interview stage. Fortunately, it
lustrations, working with artists and turned out a family friend had worked
programmers, we do all that we can to for a game developer named Insom-
make sure the player’s experience of the niac Games. Insomniac happened to
game is a positive one. be looking for testers at that point (a
position I didn’t even know existed) and so I applied
What led you to your current career? Were there any for, interviewed for, and got the position of Lead Tester
significant moments along the way? How did you for Insomniac’s new in-house testing department. So in
utilize those moments to get where you are now? 2002, I left Earthlink after only a few months, took a
The year I graduated was also the year the dot-com bub- huge salary cut, moved to Burbank from Fullerton, and
ble burst. For me, that meant that coming out of college started work right away.

12  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868

I worked my butt off and quickly rose in the ranks. On
each of the following projects I managed to move up.
First from tester to Junior Designer, then a Designer,
then a Senior Designer, and then I was a Lead Designer.
Over those 5 years we made 5 very well-received games
(four “Ratchet and Clank” games for the Playstation 2
and the Playstation 3 launch title “Resistance: Fall of
Man”) and with each game I made I learned more and
more. I was very fortunate to start my career at Insom-
niac Games.
In 2007 I left Insomniac for a company called Obsid-
ian Entertainment. About 9 months after I started at
Obisidian, a friend of mine called me up to offer me a
position at a start-up company called Bionic Games as
their Creative Director. Even though I loved working at
Obisidian, the offer was just too good to refuse.
I worked at Bionic Games on a game called “Spyborgs”,
for the publisher Capcom. The project had a very trou-
bled development. The hours on that project were brutal
beyond belief. One time I spent 3 days straight at the
office, sleeping on the couch or in a sleeping bag under
my desk. We managed to get it out the door at a fairly
decent quality in 2009, but pretty much everyone at the
company was laid off afterwards because we could not
get another project quickly enough to keep the money
flowing.
Because of the recession, after being laid off at Bionic
in the summer of 2009, I was out of work for months. I
found myself out of work in an economy that had a glut
of talent available and not enough jobs to give to them
all. Once again, though, I got very lucky.
I applied for a position at Activision as a Game Design
Specialist. They liked me very much as a candidate and
so ended up hiring me as specialist in Character Action
games. The job is very rewarding, and a lot of fun. I get to
work with a lot of different game developers all over the
place. I travel a lot and the hours are much more reason-
able than they were on Spyborgs. I also get to work with a
wide array of very talented people, which is a great thing
for any professional. Further, I now have time for research
Young Alumni Awards:
Call for Nominations
HNU is proud to announce the creation of the
Young Alumni Awards. The Young Alumni
Awards recognizes alumni who have graduated
within the past 10 years and who have enhanced
the prestige of the University by virtue of his or
her character, integrity, professional accomplish-
ments and volunteerism. We invite you join the
HNU community in launching our first Annual
Young Alumni Awards program by nominating
a deserving alum today. Visit www.hnu.edu/
alumni to complete a Young Alumni Awards
nomination form or email alumni@hnu.edu
with your nomination.
and writing, which is something I’ve always been passion-
ate about. In mid-2010 I even managed to write and have
a few articles published in industry publications.
People often ask me how to get a job as a game designer,
and I have to tell them I don’t know. I tell them what I
did, but as you can see from what I’ve written it’s been a
long and winding road. I’ve had a lot of luck, good and
bad, but the best advice I can give is to keep trying and
work hard. It really does eventually pay off.
What advice would you give HNU students and com-
munity members who are interested learning more
about you, your career and the video game industry?
I have a blog at www.ongamedesign.net that I update
occasionally. I also have a Wikipedia page (http://
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Stout).
If you’d like to learn more about getting into the game
industry, there’s a great website called www.gamecareer-
guide.com as well as an industry website called www.
gamasutra.com where I’ve got a few articles published.
Check out the features on both sites, they’re awesome.
FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  13
 Alumni News

Celebrating Our Legacy

M ichael Mosby ’88, Vice Presi-
dent of the HNU Alumni Association, deliv-
ered an energetic speech about the importance
of alumni support to the University during the
2010 Commencement Hooding Ceremonies.
Below is an excerpt from his speech.

Michael Mosby ’88 at the 2010 Graduation Hooding Ceremony.

I join you this evening at the

end of a 4 week business trip. I had the unique opportunity “For your HNU story does not end this weekend.
to visit the Mosby Heritage Reserve in Virginia where my It continues. You emerge from your educational
ancestors toiled in slavery. As I stood on the same soil as my
and spiritual incubation, strong, vibrant,
ancestors stood over 150 years ago, I was overcome! Here I
stood, enjoying a legacy that they neither experienced nor sparkling, and full of promise and purpose.”
visualized for themselves. However, they did have a faith
in God. A faith that embodied hope of a future they could only imagine, but a future they believed would come to pass.
I stood there in 2010, a product of their faith. I was humbled and imbued with a responsibility to continue their work.
I tell you this story as a reminder that you graduate from an institution steeped in 142 years of history and rich tradition.
An institution built upon the foundation of service and the full spiritual development of the human person; an institution
that continues to be faithfully dedicated to these ideals because they fuel purpose and action; an institution whose viability
and further longevity are our sacred charge.
You see, as I stood there in that Virginia field, I became keenly aware that I stood upon the shoulders of those that came
before me. Shoulders that I did not climb upon, but was lifted and placed there by selfless, calloused, blood-stained, loving
hands to do things in this moment in history that they were unable to do, but believed could come to pass.
Tonight, as a family member of the HNU Alumni Association for more than 20 years, I reach and lift you upon our shoul-
ders to perform deeds of heroics that we cannot do or fathom, but have faith that you can! On behalf of the thousands of
HNU alumni, I welcome you to the next chapter of your HNU journey. For your HNU story does not end this weekend.
It continues. You emerge from your educational and spiritual incubation, strong, vibrant, sparkling, and full of promise
and purpose. You are also saturated with the HNU Spirit. As such, just as I am the legacy of Virginia slaves, you are the
legacy of HNU!

14  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868

New Alumni Executive Board Members
To welcome the new Alumni Executive Board members, we invited each new member to reflect on HNU’s unique
qualities and how they hope to contribute to the alumni community during their terms of service.
Thank you to our returning
Alumni Executive Board
members for their
continued service to HNU.
Julie Nelson Echaniz ’75,
President
Michael Mosby ’88,
Vice President
Rebecca Hinkley ’97,
Secretary
Megan Norwood ’01,
Committee Member
“The Holy Names Uni-
versity community has
impacted my life in so
many ways. The Sisters
of the Holy Names are
amazing. As an alumna,
I appreciate the Sisters’
commitment to sharing
the mission of service with myself and the
University community. During my term, I hope
to empower the alumni community to become
actively engaged with the HNU community
and its mission.
Tiffany Ho ’08, Enrollment Counselor
“The Holy Names
community is rich and
diverse beyond imagina-
tion. I hope to tap into
the wide range of talent
of nurse alumni as a
way of garnering more
support and achieving
the goal of strengthening our bond to the
community. My goal is to illicit the support
and involvement of the large body of nurses in
the external sector, educating them regard-
ing the roles of alumni, and as a role model,
demonstrating the wealth of ideas they can
contribute. ”
Donna R. Ervin ’06 MSN/MBA,
Psychiatric Charge Nurse, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
“Holy Names University
is a small school with a
big heart. Its intimate
atmosphere enhances
the opportunity to build
lifelong relationships
within the college com-
munity. My goal is to
help encourage a rekindling of friendships be-
tween alums and to cultivate their renewed
interest and commitment to their alma mater.”
Carol Braves ’75, Administrative Director,
Architectural Foundation of San Francisco
““The alumni commu-
nity is unique, active
and vibrant! I made
this discovery last year
when I co-chair the
Class of 1964’s 45-year
reunion. I already knew
we were united as the
“Girls of 64”; however, I was stunned by the
2009 Alumni Awards Ceremony. That night, I
met alumni whose lives were changed by HNU.
I met a diversity of students and alumni from
what I only knew as an all-girls college. From
a women’s college to a truly diverse institu-
tion, our Holy Names has changed. During my
term on the Board, I will look to invigorate the
Alumni community to give back to the Univer-
sity that empowers them to become who they
are today.”
Melanie Melewicz Blaha ’64, International Activities
Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
“Our community is
unique in a multitude
of ways. Though we
represent a wide diver-
sity of generations and
different backgrounds,
we all share the experi-
ence of learning and
growing within the Holy Names University
community. Through my recent involvement
as an undergraduate and now a graduate stu-
dent and employee at HNU, I look forward to
helping to strengthen the alumni community
by contributing my own unique perspective to
the Alumni Executive Board.”
Jennifer Perkins ’08, HNU Enrollment Counselor
FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  15
 fundr aising News

Pride in our Legacy, Passion for our Future

Striving Forward with
Great Momentum
“I am the first person to attend college in

R enewed commitment
to the Annual Fund guarantees that
my family. My desire to attend a private
university with small class sizes and good
academic programs is what inspired me
students receive the necessary sup- to choose Holy Names. I am so thankful
port to fully access the benefits of a that I was chosen for a scholarship. Words
21 century HNU education, an edu- cannot express my gratitude, it has really
cation that fuels dreams, aspirations been helpful.”
and civic engagement for all deserv- ~Sherry Williams, Junior
ing students.
Gifts to the Annual Fund inspire “HNU actively helped to make my edu-
greatness in our students allowing cation financially possible. It has made
them to pursue their dreams! it possible for me to chase and achieve
not just my goals, but my dreams. I
wholly and entirely appreciate the schol-
arship that I received. Thank you!”
~Jessika Hines-Schroder, Junior

Ways to Give:
• Make a gift over the phone by calling the Office of Annual Giving at
(510) 436-1014
• Give online via our secure giving website by visiting
www.hnu.edu/donors
• Maximize your donation by participating in the Employer Matching
Gift Program by visiting www.hnu.edu/donors
• Make a gift of securities (stock, bond or mutual funds) by calling
(510)-436-1198

16  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868

I n M emoriam

Dr. Neil W. McDaniel

October 6, 1916 – September 5, 2010

O n Sunday,
September 5th, the
for the Performance Arts campaign, the Science Facili-
ties Reconstruction Project, the campaign for the newly
Holy Names Universi- renovated Student Center in Brennan Hall, the 2006
ty community lost one Michael Feinstein Benefit Concert and the annual Red
of its greatest ambas- Rose Golf Tournament benefiting the Mission Scholar-
sadors, Neil W. Mc- ship Fund.
Daniel, HNU Trustee Neil’s dedication to active volunteerism led him to share
Emeritus. Neil’s af- his gift of leadership with other community organiza-
filiation with the Holy tions, including the Clausen House, the Board of the
Names Sisters began Oakland Symphony, the Easter Seal Society of Alam-
when his daughters, eda County and the East Bay Community Foundation.
Marianne and Joanne In addition, he was a generous benefactor of Northern
attended Holy Names Lights School and Next Step Learning Center in Oak-
High School. land. In recognition of his contributes to HNU and the
Born and raised in Walla Walla, Washington, Neil grad- betterment of society at-large through his talents and en-
uated from the University of California at Berkeley in terprise, the University community bestowed upon Neil
1939. Neil spent much of his career working in the auto- an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in
motive after-market industries, becoming the President 2007.
of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturer’s Associa- Holy Names University is blessed to have been the ben-
tion in 1969 and later President of the Automotive Presi- eficiary of Neil’s wisdom for so many years. A gener-
dents’ Council. ous, loving, and inspiring man who cared deeply for his
Neil became an HNU Regent in 1983 and later a Trustee family and friends, Neil was an inspiration to our com-
and member of the Institutional Advancement Commit- munity and will be deeply missed. Neil is survived by
tee of the Board of Trustees. He was vital in leveraging his loving wife, Barbara (a 1996 alumna of the HNU
the University’s profile amongst the business commu- Sophia Program), his two daughters and seven grand-
nity and was an instrumental fund-raiser. Neil provided children and great-grandchildren.
leadership and strategic direction to the Valley Center

FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  17

 SN JM News
T his winter, Sr. Marcia
Frideger, SNJM, Ph.D., will leave
the HNU community to join the
Province Leadership Team for the
U.S. – Ontario Province of the Sis-
ters of the Holy Names of Jesus and
Mary (SNJM).
Throughout her tenure at HNU, Sr.
Marcia has been influential in the
growth and development of the
Department of Business. Under her
leadership, the Department expe-
rienced increased enrollment and
developed new and innovative pro-
grams such as HNU’s MBA con-
centration in Energy and Environ-
ment. When asked what she would
miss most, Sr. Marcia chuckled,
“the people; everybody from the
students, faculty and staff. There is
a lot that is unique and special to
Holy Names University.”
Sr. Marcia’s reputation for being
an effective leader, educator and an
invaluable knowledge resource for
Management and Organizational
Behavior (her area of academic exper-
tise) propelled her nomination to the
Province Leadership Team on mul-
tiple occasions. As she recalls, in the
past, when her name was pushed for-
ward as a possible candidate, “I was
either about to start a degree or just
finished a degree. But, each time, I
always said someday I will be willing
18  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868
Sr. Marcia Frideger
Joins SNJM Leadership Team
“I feel a commitment to the
SNJM community and to sharing
my gifts there at this time. For
me, there is a sense that be-
cause the University is in a posi-
tive, healthy and growing state, it
feels possible to carry my work
forward.”
to serve the community in this way; if
the time seemed right.”
This year, the timing was perfect.
All of the factors in Sr. Marcia’s life
aligned, including her confidence
in the well being of HNU. “I feel a
commitment to the SNJM commu-
nity and to sharing my gifts there at
this time. For me, there is a sense that
because the University is in a positive,
healthy and growing state, it feels
possible to carry my work forward in
another arena.”
The term for Sr. Marcia’s new posi-
tion is five years. As a member of the
Province Leadership Team, Sr. Mar-
cia will join four other SNJM lead-
ers and work on an array of initiatives
supporting the SNJM community.
When asked which areas of the Prov-
ince Leadership Team’s responsibili-
ties she holds closest to her heart, Sr.
Marcia responded “emphasizing the
importance of our ministry in the
world and that we keep promoting
the social justice dimension of our
community and its values, while at
the same time, we make sure that we
care for our aging Sisters.”
On behalf of the University com-
munity, Lizbeth J. Martin, Vice
President for Academic Affairs, com-
municated HNU’s shared commu-
nity-wide sentiment best, “This is a
tremendous honor for Sr. Marcia and
acknowledgement of her exceptional
management skills. I am certain we
will all count the days until Sr. Mar-
cia’s return to our Holy Names Uni-
versity community.”

Class Notes
’09 Osprey Orielle Lake’s new book,
Uprising for the Earth: Reconnecting
Culture with Nature, has just been re-
leased and can be ordered at amazon.
com. Visit www.ospreyoriellelake.com
for more information.
’06 Mimi Victoria Zobairi received her
Juris Doctorate degree on May 16th, from
UC Hastings College of Law.
’04 Ruth Flores and her husband, Steven ’65 Anne Dinneen, SNJM was honored
Spencer ’12, had a baby girl, Bella, on
May 23rd.
’99 Judy Simon Nguyen and husband,
Pete, welcomed twins, Cabeb Charles
and Madeline Elizabeth, on October
26th.
’98 Henry Gascon completed a Master’s
in Public Administration from the Robert
F. Wagner School of Public Service at New
York University.
’95 Seana O’Shaughnessy and husband,
Alex, gave birth to Quinn Karolyi on
August 17th.
’90 Bill Ludtke was Musical Director
for Contra Costa Christian Theater’s June
production of “Godspell”.
’70 Joanne Hartensten Dickson and
husband, Doug, are both enjoying retire-
ment. Their youngest son is a Cardiac Care
Nurse with Kaiser, their daughter lives in
South Carolina with her husband and three
kids and their oldest son lives in Virginia
with his wife and two kids. The whole
family participated in a family reunion in
South Carolina in May.
Kappa Gamma Pi
’68 Kathleen Rebello Collins has a new
National Catholic
College Graduate
great granddaughter, Maliyah Leilani, born Honor Society
February 10th and a new great grandson,
Jaxon, born in March.
The San Francisco/East Bay
Chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi,
’66 Marianne Viani, SNJM retired in the National Catholic College
June after 20 years as an Associate Su- Graduate Honor Society, is cur-
perintendent for Curriculum and School rently selling See’s Candies for
Improvement for the Archdiocese of San their winter fundraiser. Multiple
Francisco.
HNU Alumni are Kappa Gam-
ma Pi members and actively em-
with the Children’s Choice Award by Saint brace the Honor Society’s motto
of “Faith and Service” by serving
Vincent’s Day Home in Oakland, CA, an
organization she has been connected with within their communities and
since 1970. She received the honor at a supporting initiatives to improve
Mardi Gras-theme dinner on March 5, 2010.
literacy and alleviate hunger.
’62, ’82 Mary Ondreyco, SNJM The chapter is sponsoring a See’s
celebrated 20 years of service to Headstart candy sale to fund a Christmas
in Watsonville, CA. The Headstart group project for St. Mary’s Center in
recently celebrated Sr. Mary’s commitment Oakland and request your sup-
to the children she serves. The legacy of port. To purchase a box of See’s
ministry to children in labor camps is being
Candies to support the 2010 Kap-
carried on by volunteers trained by
Sr. Mary and Sr. Inez Sherwood ’77.
pa Gamma Pi Winter Fundraiser,
call Kathleen G. Dunlap ’60 at
’52 Mary Franck Starrs, a lay ecclesial (510) 886-4046 or email alumni@
minister, reports that her Holy Names hnu.edu. For more information
training is still in use 50 years later. about the work of Kappa Gamma
Pi, visit www.kappagammapi.org/
’49 Joan Atkinson reflects on the impor-
tance of Holy Names to her by comment-
ing “after graduating from high school, I
came in out of nowhere to Holy Names
College and asked Sister Rose Emmanuella
for a scholarship. Sister said ‘Yes.” For this
reasons, I have resolved always to say ‘Yes’
to Holy Names.”
’43 Barbara Hester Benson spent three
weeks visiting her twin sister, Sally Hester
Wright ’43 in Santa Rosa, CA. In the fall,
Sally will visit Barbara in Bethesda, Mary-
land. Both Barbara and Sally enjoy visiting
friends and familiar places. FALL 2010  |  HNU TODAY  19
 IN MEMOR I A M Elizabeth “Bettie” Ann Violich ’46
Michael Wilson (Friend) Michael Meyer Schneider On April 26, 2010, Elizabeth “Bettie”
May 5, 2009 (father of Karen Schneider, Librarian) Ann Violich ’46 passed away at her home
C. Jean Bigelow (Friend) May 23, 2010
in Piedmont, California surrounded by
June 24, 2009 Ambrose ‘Burt” Burton loved ones. Bettie graduated from Holy
Rita McGinnis Boscacci (Friend) (husband of Pam Burton, ’78)
Names College and went onto a success-
October 17, 2009 May 2010
ful 30 year career as an educator and
Louise Malloy (mother of Sheila Malloy ’67) Mary Schmitt (Sophia Faculty)
June 1, 2010 Principal of the E. Morris Cox Elemen-
December 9, 2009
tary School, receiving the Marcus A.
Joyce Palm Pedersen ’91 Helen Jeanette Soares Mariman ‘57
June 4, 2010 Foster Educational Institute Award as an
January 2, 2010
Patricia Kenny, SNJM ’51 outstanding and distinguished educator.
Walter E. Rex (Friend)
January 22, 2010 June 9, 2010 Devoted to her community, Bettie spent
Robert W. Theren Gerarda Marie Joubert, SNJM, MA ‘47 an enormous amount of time in the ser-
(father of Maria Theren, Graphic Designer) June 21, 2010 vice of others, including serving as Presi-
February 6, 2010 Mrs. Eleanor Estrella-Ruiz dent of the Holy Names College Alumni
Proserpina ‘Prose’ Morosin (mother of Paul Mancilla, student) Association from 1959 - 1961, board
June 29, 2010
(former staff) member of the Bellevue Club, the Ladies
March 13, 2010 Nicholas Bailey (student ’07-’08) Home Society for the Matilda Browne
Thelma Pfeiffer Takacs ’71 July 4, 2010
Home, and multiple other organizations.
March 24, 2010 M. Seraphica McLean, SNJM ’70
(former secretary of HNU Board of Directors) A recipient of the University’s highest
Robert Schwartz
(husband of Maureen O’Brien Schwartz ’69) July 9, 2010 alumni honor, the Alumni Recogni-
March 31, 2010 Kristine ‘Kris’ Bowman ‘99 tion Award, the University community
Mary Conlon August 2, 2010 recognized Bettie for her outstanding
(sister of Rev. Jim Conlon, Chair of the Elba Rosa del Valle (Nena) David Purcell achievements and service to the church
Sophia Program) (mother of Edward Purcell, Educ. Dept. and community during the 1988 Alumni
April 18, 2010 student; former faculty-Spanish Dept.) Awards Ceremony.
Anna May Martelon August 5, 2010
An elegant and gracious woman, Bettie
(sister of Marguerite Kirk, snjm, former staff) Daniel A. Scannell
April 23, 2010 (husband of Maureen O’Brien Scannell ’56) was a great friend and advocate on behalf
August 19, 2010 of the Holy Names community. Those
Lucy Rahman ’93
April 24, 2010 Merna Thomas ’81 who knew her will deeply miss her and
Sally McGettigan Wyatt ’44 (former Director of Prep. Music Program always remember her.
April 24, 2010 and Music Dept.)
August 26, 2010
Harold Berliner
(father of Ruth Berliner ’77) Norman J. Brown
April 26, 2010 (husband of Virginia Jurgens Brown ’55)
September 3, 2010
Cormac Murphy (Noel Francis), FSC ‘72
April 26, 2010 Neil McDaniel
(husband of Barbara Bonds McDaniel ’96,
Elizabeth Ann ‘Bettie’ Erichson Violich ‘46
Former Trustee)
April 26, 2010
September 5, 2010
Catherine Muns McCormick ‘49
Carolyn DeMaria
May 10, 2010
(mother of Keith Hansen ’04, English Dept
Veronica Hanlon, SM ‘97 Faculty)
May 10, 2010 September 7, 2010
H. James Schlader Sr. Mary Paul Gerard Gustafson ’48
(father of Joel Schlader ’08, Lecturer) September 24, 2010
May 8, 2010
Peter Batchelder
(nephew of Pat Woertner, faculty)
May 12, 2010 As President of the Alumni Association (1959-1961),
Bettie Violich ’46 (far left) presented a plaque to
commemorate the Lake Merritt Kaiser Center as the
20  LIBERATING MINDS  •  TRANSFORMING LIVES  •  SINCE 1868 original site of Holy Names University.
 the l a st word

Moments in Time: Homecoming 2010

Visit www.hnu.edu/alumni to view additional photos from Homecoming 2010

61),
o
the
 Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Holy Names
Office of Institutional Advancement University
3500 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619-1699
510-436-1240

Save the date

for the Inauguration of

Dr. W illiam J. Hynes

as the 17th President
of Holy Names University
Wednesday, March 16, 2011