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President - Wendy Schrunk
Class Year: 2007
Major: Finance and Economics
Email: schrunk.wendy@gmail.com
How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
The faculty, staff and students I interacted with and got to know through my time at Loras have shaped the way I think, act and live. The people I met and the relationships I formed during my four years on campus helped me define what's important in life and helped me discover my strengths.
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Vice President - Vince Mazza
Class Year: 1991
Major: Marketing and Management
Email: vpmazza@aol.com
How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
Loras allowed me to make important mistakes in a safe environment. The key was learning from those mistakes. Many of the classes and simulations we as students participated in were based on situations that really do happen in the work world. While academically Loras taught me much of the same content that most other business graduates learned from their schools, the liberal arts side and working with other students in teams provided more of an appreciation for diversity and how to get things done with and through others. Hard work, maintaining and open mind and accountability were stressed then and learning those skills early have been tremendously helpful after college.
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Secretary - Seamus Ahern
Class Year: 2004
Major: Criminal Justice
Email: ahernsp@gmail.com
What was most memorable about your time at Loras?
One compelling experience was being on Campus the morning of 9/11. I recall coming back to Byrne Oaks after early football films and my roommates were all huddled around the television watching the first reports come in after the attacks on NYC and the Pentagon. I knew immediately our country would be changed forever. I recall attending the Rock Bowl that evening for a memorial service and was in awe at how many students and faculty attended the service to remember our fallen Americans. I was also struck how close our Loras College family really is and that is something that I will always remember and has always remained with me.
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Treasurer - Michael Otto
Class Year: 1994
Major: History and Speech Communication
Email: otto2030@yahoo.com
How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
By challenging me to think and articulate why I think that way. This was not only done by my professors, but roommates and friends as well. It changed how I looked at the world around me. By seeing that there is more than one correct answer (but some answers better address the question than others) and that most everyone means well with their answer. I learned to listen and hear what people are saying and evaluate their statements based on my knowledge and beliefs. This has greatly helped in me by everyday interactions with my clients and colleagues and has been a part of my professional successes.
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Robin (Fetter) Brown
Class Year: 1982
Major: Biology
Email: drrobinbrown@msn.com
How did Loras prepare you for your career?
The biological science classes provided the background I needed to succeed in medical school. The academic expectations of the faculty to do exceptional work prepared me for the rigors of medical education. In fact, we did a senior thesis with a formal presentation of our research which proved to be instrumental as I discovered my passion for medicine.
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Bill Burns
Class Year: 1962
Email: billburns.40@gmail.com
What advice would I give a current or prospective student?
I usually don’t give advice unless asked. However, if this be that case, I would encourage any student to fill your Loras plate with as many opportunities as possible, be they academic, service, athletic, spiritual. I would also recommend trying something totally new and different to expand your knowledge and experience base. And, don’t be in too big a hurry to make your career decision. Of course, you will have a focus defined and ultimately a post Loras initial career as your beginning. But remember, most likely you will change your career focus a number of times, so use your Loras experience to check off as many items on your college bucket list as possible. I’m reminded when I return to campus how unique and special the college experience was and still is. It will always remain a singular highpoint in my life, and it should be yours as well.
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Janelle Domeyer
Class Year: 2005
Major: Politics
Email: jando_27@hotmail.com
How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
Being involved in so many extracurricular activities was probably the greatest preparation for life after college. I was the director of LCTV News from my sophomore year through senior year. I helped lead retreats and service trips through Campus Ministry. I was a Resident Assistant for two years and led Summer Orientation and Fall Welcome Days. Getting the change to have so many different responsibilities gave me confidence to enter the workplace and take on leadership roles in my career. Academic work is important, but even in the classroom having the opportunity to collaborate with classmates and managing those interpersonal dynamics is great preparation for what you will encounter in your future profession.
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David Fautsch
Class Year: 2005
Major: Economics
Email: DFautsch@weinhardtlaw.com
How has Loras impacted your life?
Every day I use the skills that I learned at Loras. In a broader sense, however, Loras taught me how to learn. That is, the college’s devotion to liberal arts education taught me to how to understand subjects that I come across for the first time as an adult.
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Tara (Kilburg) Feller
Class Year: 2011
Major: Biochemistry
Email: tara.feller13@gmail.com
How did Loras prepare you for your career?
I can’t express enough the value of a liberal arts education and becoming a well-rounded individual. As an Operations Manager for Adult Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital I interact daily with patients one minute and world renowned surgeons the next. Being able to think critically, be an active learner and be willing to learn and grow every day is something I learned at Loras. You think you go to school to learn the facts about a subject, and you do, but it’s also to learn from and about others that is equally important.
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Jeff Heitzman
Class Year: 1975
Major: Mathematics
Email: JRHHOU@aol.com
What advice would you give to current or prospective students?
Get a balanced education at Loras. For example if you major in a STEM discipline, then minor in one of the humanities or vice versa. This plus a graduate degree later on will have you prepared for the world ahead.
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Diana (Pena Clavijo) Miller
Class Year: 2009
Major: International Studies/Finance
Email: dianacmiller@hotmail.com
How has Loras impacted your life?
As an international student, I was able to attend Loras thanks to the generosity of contributors who placed their faith in students from other countries being able to come experience a different culture and obtain an undergraduate education in the United States. Attending Loras has generated incredible opportunities for me on both the professional and personal fields. I truly feel that my life would be very different if I hadn't had the opportunity to obtain an education in a different country as well as at Loras specifically.
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Jane (Lyons) Mueller
Class Year: 1987
Major: Management/Marketing
Email: jmueller@cottinghambutler.com
What advice would you have for students today?
Keep an open mind, you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do, immerse yourself in the full experience, whether it be academics, arts, athletics; take advantage of student experiences outside the classroom, this will make you a well-rounded individual. Receiving a Liberal Arts education at Loras exposes you to an array of topics and subjects so no matter what career path you want to pursue, you develop a broad base of knowledge that can serve as building blocks as you grow into your career. Always stretch outside your comfort zone, you just might surprise yourself!
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Rob Murray
Class Year: 2001
Major: Engineering
Email: bert1murray@gmail.com
What are you hoping to accomplish as a board member?
I thought this was a great opportunity to give back to Loras. If I can get more alumni involved in spreading the word about the quality of college education and experience that Loras provides, in addition to increasing the amount of giving from alumni, and shining a light on the quality people Loras is putting out into the workforce each year.
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Derrick Nix
Class Year: 1994
Major: Speech Communication/Media Studies and Elementary Education
Email: derricktn31@yahoo.com
How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
Everyone I encountered as a student seemed genuinely interested in making sure I succeeded. From the staff and faculty to the coaches, they encouraged and challenged me to do more than I ever dreamed possible. Loras prepared me for real life events in an ever changing environment. The relationships that I developed continue to this day and these friends and mentors continue to have an impact on me. I value the education and life preparation I received at Loras!
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Pat Noonan
Class Year: 1976
Major: Philosophy
Email: pjnoonan2@hotmail.com
How has Loras impacted your life?
Loras College is an institution made up of great persons that had an impact on my ability to learn and think for myself. What stands out to me was the approachability of my teachers. They were always available either after class, in their office, or in a social situation to answer questions. One who stood out has to be Dr. Richard Clark, his knowledge, his humor and his commitment to the common good has made a lasting impression.
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John O'Brien
Class Year: 1984
Major: Business
Email: job@salestalentgroup.com
How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
The list is long, but I would have to say the most important life lesson was perseverance and don’t give up attitude. When you surround yourself with good people that genuinely care about you, it is hard to fail at anything. School did not come easy to me and I had to work harder than the average student to get a good grade. I really did learn that by working hard, listening to wise people (teachers, counselors, faculty), sticking to it and believing in myself things would eventually pay off. They did at Loras and they have in life. I am very thankful for my experiences at Loras.
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Lauren (Squires) Ready
Class Year: 2008
Major: Media Studies
Email: lauren@foreverreadyllc.com
What advice would you have for fellow alumni?
Don’t forget where you came from. Seriously, it's important to realized the impact Loras College had on your career, perspective, life experience and understanding of the world. The more years that pass, the more important it is to continue to help provide those opportunities for current and future students.
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Katie (Bellendier) Schons
Class Year: 2006
Majors: Media Studies and Public Relations
Email: kat1446@gmail.com
How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
Loras taught me how to go above and beyond and branch out of my comfort zone. Being involved in LCTV, I not only learned about myself but about the surrounding community through conducting interviews for news stories. By being involved in this and many other activities and organizations I learned how to network with many diverse groups.
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Peter L. Streit
Class Year: 1977
Major: Mathematics
Email: streit.peter@mayo.edu
What did you enjoy most about your Loras experience?
The small student faculty ratio. My professors knew who I was and held me accountable. Loras and the dedicated staff and faculty members prepared me well for the various roles I have held over my career and the people I met during my four years at Loras, have become life long friends!
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Dan Tropp
Class Year: 1999
Major: Economics
Email: dan_tropp@ajg.com
What advice would you have for fellow alumni?
Loras is OUR school and it's up to us as alumni to ensure that future generations have the same access and ability to learn and grow as people that we did. Whether it's mentoring a current student, helping a high school kid find Loras as a potential option, hiring an intern, reaching out to thank a professor for something they taught you, sending in a couple of bucks to help the school stay economically viable or as simple as wearing a Loras sweatshirt to the grocery store, we all play a part in building the reputation, history and culture of the school.
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Meg Bucaro Wojtas
Class Year: 1998
Major: Spanish
Email: meg@megbucaro.com
How has Loras impacted your life?
Almost 25 years after graduation, I am still able to seek insight from professors like Chris Apel and Craig Schaefer on a regular basis. This does not happen just anywhere. Loras placed people in my life that would challenge me, support me and walk with me during a pivotal stage of life. The friends, roommates, teammates, coaches, administration, staff and professors were exactly who I needed at that time and still today. I owe Loras my best now, for inspiring me to dream big and keep pushing. It is time for me to give back and I am honored to being able to do so on the National Alumni Board.
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