News Archive 2020
Read Alumnae/i in the News 2020. Have you spotted a Rosary College/海角社区 alumna/us in the news? Let us know at alumni@dom.edu.
Emily Compton-Dzak MLIS 鈥07 appointed River Forest's Library Director
December 30, 2020
Emily Compton-Dzak MLIS 鈥07 has been appointed as the new Director of the River Forest Public Library. She currently works as the Assistant Director and Head of Adult Services at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District and has 20 years of experience in the library field. Read more.
Alex Gutierrez MLIS 鈥19, Oak Park Public Library's New Teen Services Librarian
December 23, 2020
Alex Gutierrez MLIS 鈥19 has been with the Oak Park Public Library since 2016, when he served as a volunteer. In December 2020, he began his new role as Teen Services Librarian. Read more.
Marty Carlino 鈥17 co-founds media group, The Record North Shore
December 16, 2020
Marty Carlino 鈥17 has co-founded The Record North Shore, a digital newsroom that covers Chicago's North Side suburbs. While attending Dominican, Marty served as executive editor of the campus newspaper, The Dominican Star. Read more.
Andreas Fleps 鈥15 publishes debut poetry book, Well Into the Night
December 2020
Andreas Fleps 鈥15 is a 29-year-old poet, based near Chicago. He studied theology and philosophy at 海角社区, and his debut collection of poems entitled, Well into the Night (via Energion Publications) was released in December 2020. Read more.
Working to Level the Playing Field: Standing Against Immigration Discrimination
Fall 2020 Dominican Magazine
Roberto Sepulveda MBA 鈥10, Arianna Salgado 鈥15 and Suhad Tabahi, assistant professor in the School of Social Work, discuss inequalities in immigration. Read more.
Working to Level the Playing Field: Standing Against Immigration Discrimination
Fall 2020 Dominican Magazine
Binyamin Jones 鈥07, Berto Aguayo 鈥16 and Clinton Nichols, assistant professor of criminology, discuss creating peace in Chicago Neighborhoods. Read more.
鈥嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧媀irtual Caritas Veritas Symposium 2020 Wrap-Up
Fall 2020 Dominican Magazine
Like most large gatherings in the era of COVID-19, Dominican hosted the annual Caritas Veritas Symposium in a virtual format. Shaina Warfield 鈥20 read an original poem during the plenary session. Read more.
Dominican Caritas in Action: Yiping Chen MBA 鈥08
Fall 2020 Dominican Magazine
In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was impacting our campus, Yiping Chen MBA 鈥08 donated 1,000 surgical masks to Dominican鈥檚 Wellness Center. Yiping lives in China and is the Managing Partner of Ruilai Law Firm. Read more.
Timiya Ray 鈥20: DU Star Focuses on Serving a Greater Purpose
Fall 2020 Dominican Magazine
"These past four years at Dominican, I have found that my purpose is to help others." - Timiya Ray 鈥20. Read more.
Working to Level the Playing Field: COVID-19 and Health Care Inequities
Fall 2020 Dominican Magazine
Neil Ehmig 鈥16, BSN, Nancy Rivera 鈥13 and Tamara Bland, acting executive director of the MacNeil School of Nursing, discuss inequities in healthcare. Read more.
Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame: Matt Stuczynski MLIS 鈥09
November 30, 2020
Matt Stuczynski MLIS 鈥09 has been inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1991 to honor those who have made significant contributions to the quality of life of the LGBT community in Chicago. The organization held a virtual ceremony on October 13 to honor all 2020 inductees. Read more.
Jose Garcia 鈥10 named St. Joseph boys' basketball coach
November 6, 2020
Jose Garcia 鈥10 has been named the boys' basketball head coach at his alma mater St. Joseph Catholic Academy Kenosha. He is a cross-categorical teacher at Jerstad-Agerholm Middle School and president of the non-profit Anointed Hoops, which aims for community outreach through basketball. Read more.
In Memoriam: Anna Marie Garippo Sciaraffa 鈥49
May 2, 1928鈥揙ctober 11, 2020
Anna Marie Garippo Sciaraffa 鈥49 served as Rosary College鈥檚 first lay director of alumnae relations, overseeing what would ultimately become the Annual Trustee Benefit Concert and Gala and the Children鈥檚 Christmas Party. She subsequently served as a member of the Board of Trustees. Read more.
A Life in Song: Elizabeth Fischer Monastero 鈥57
October 2020
Elizabeth Fischer Monastero 鈥57 enjoyed a singing career that took her all over the world, from the White House to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. A professor of voice at Northwestern University for 36 years, Elizabeth is currently working on a memoir. Read more.
Christina Bottis BA 鈥05 recognized as top marketing executive
October 5, 2020
Christina Bottis BA 鈥05, Chief Marketing Officer at Coyote Logistics, has been named a Notable Executive in Marketing for 2020 by Crain's Chicago Business. Read more.
Alexis Hoskins 鈥20 realizing dream of law enforcement career
October 3, 2020
Alexis Hoskins 鈥20 is realizing her dream of a law enforcement career as she is now in academy at the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center in Decatur. She graduated in May and started the process of becoming a sheriff鈥檚 deputy in July. Read more.
Timiya Ray 鈥20 releases EP titled "Eventually"
October 2, 2020
Timiya Ray 鈥20, known as the artist T.Ray, has released her first EP titled "Eventually". She invested in her own studio equipment and won a grant from 海角社区 to finance "Eventually," which is available on major streaming platforms. Read more.
海角社区 celebrates the life of Jeanette Dunning O'Loughlin
1979鈥2020
Jeanette Dunning O鈥橪aughlin served as a cherished friend, colleague and most importantly to her family, a beloved wife, mother, daughter and sister. Read more.
Lori Goetsch MALIS 鈥82, Dean of K-State Libraries
September 22, 2020
Kansas State University officials announced that Lori Goetsch MALIS 鈥82, Dean of Libraries, will retire at the end of the academic year on May 28. Lori has served in the role since 2004. Read more.
Sean McCarthy MBA 鈥10 named to IMA's Board
September 15, 2020
Sean McCarthy MBA 鈥10 has been named to the Illinois Manufacturers' Association Board of Directors. He is the Regional Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Initiatives at Comcast. Read more.
Giana Galeno '07 admitted to Global Field Program at Miami University
September 2020
Giana Galeno '07 currently serves as the Shows Team Lead at Kansas City Zoo, a position she has held since February 2020. She previously worked at Brookfield Zoo (2015鈥20) and Lincoln Park Zoo (2008鈥15). Read more.
Andre Lodree 鈥08 publishes second poetry memoir, Fear & Faith
September 2020
Andre Lodree 鈥08 has self-published his second poetry memoir, Fear & Faith. Andre's first poetry memoir, Lost & Found, was published in 2013. Read more.
Meet Sr. Vivian Ivantic MALS 鈥55, the oldest Benedictine nun in the world
September 2, 2020
Benedictine Sister Vivian Ivantic MALS 鈥55 was interviewed by Chicago Catholic's Michelle Martin after turning 107 years old on August 28. As part of her 85th jubilee celebration, it was discovered that Sister Vivian is the oldest living Benedictine woman in the world. Read more.
Jaime Campos 鈥13 featured by Chicago Agent Magazine
August 31, 2020
Jaime Campos 鈥13, Team Lead Broker for RE/MAX Loyalty, was featured by Chicago Agent Magazine. Jaime and her sister Augustina co-own RE/MAX Loyalty while also leading their real estate team, The Chicago Property Sisters. Read more.
Monica Dombrowski MLIS 鈥08 named Winnetka-Northfield's Library Director
August 28, 2020
Monica Dombrowski MLIS 鈥08 has been named the new director of the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District. She previously served as the executive director of Sycamore Public Library. Read more.
Margaret Conroy MALIS 鈥86 interviewed by Como Magazine
August 27, 2020
Como Magazine interviewed Margaret Conroy MALIS 鈥86 in its Get to Know series. She is the executive director of Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia, Missouri. Read more.
Katie Badgley MLIS 鈥95 named GDL Branch Librarian
August 20, 2020
The Genesee District Library (GDL) has named Katie Badgley MLIS 鈥95 as the new branch librarian at the Linden Library. Her 25-year career in libraries includes 12 years at GDL, six as the children鈥檚 librarian. Read more.
Tiffany D. Hightower MSOL 鈥11 named Executive Director of ILBCF
August 17, 2020
Tiffany D. Hightower MSOL 鈥11 has been named executive director of The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF), the civic/philanthropic arm of the ILBC. Previously, the skilled political strategy consultant served as interim director. Read more.
David Gayes 鈥14: Create a society that values disabled life
July 24, 2020
David Gayes 鈥14 is a disability rights activist, Interfaith Youth Core alumnus, whose spirituality and disability are core aspects of his identity. Read more.
Jasminum McMullen 鈥18 named Managing Editor of Mount Island Literary Magazine
July 2020
Jasminum McMullen 鈥18 has been named the managing editor of Mount Island Literary Magazine. She previously served as the magazine's fiction and poetry editor. Read more.
Joslyn Bowling Dixon MLIS 鈥09 Appointed Director of Newark Public Library
July 9, 2020
A distinguished librarian, Joslyn Bowling Dixon MLIS 鈥09 brings a wealth and depth of experience working in large urban public libraries spanning more than 20 years. Read more.
Samantha Sundquist MLIS 鈥19 founds library amid pandemic
June 23, 2020
Samantha Sundquist MLIS 鈥19 was recently profiled in the LoganSquarist as she founded Sunny's Shared Spines, a free lending library for the Humboldt Park and Logan Square communities. The library is run out of her Logan Square home amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. Read more.
Savannah Kitchens MLIS 鈥11 makes masks for public during COVID-19 pandemic
June 15, 2020
Savannah Kitchens MLIS 鈥11, director of the Parnell Memorial Library in Montevallo, Alabama, is putting her staff鈥檚 sewing skills to use by making free face masks for anyone who needs them to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read more.
Liz Robb Reppe MLIS 鈥02 encourages lawyers to use state law library
June 12, 2020
Minnesota State Law Librarian Liz Robb Reppe MLIS 鈥02 is conducting outreach to encourage lawyers to turn to the State Law Library for assistance with legal research. Read more.
Gina Marotta 鈥98 profiled by Authority Magazine
June 7, 2020
As a part of its series about leaders who integrate mindfulness and spiritual practices into their work culture, Authority Magazine interviewed Gina Marotta 鈥98. In 2008, Gina was presented with the Graduate of the Last Decade Award by 海角社区. Read more.
Ma艂gorzata Kot MLIS 鈥13 celebrates 25 years at Polish Museum of America
June 1, 2020
Congratulations to Ma艂gorzata Kot MLIS 鈥13 on her 25th anniversary as an employee at the Polish Museum of America (PMA). As PMA鈥檚 Managing Director, she fulfills the museum's mission of preserving the past for future generations. Read more.
Jaqueline Romo 鈥19 creates A Migration Journey with woodcut prints
April 2020 Alumnae/i Magazine
For her series The Passion of the Monarca Migrante, Jaqueline Romo 鈥19 composed 15 prints referencing the Stations of the Cross in a new and provocative way. Read more.
Global Alumnae/i Living the Legacy of Father Mazzuchelli: John Hannes 鈥06
April 2020 Alumnae/i Magazine
John Hannes 鈥06 claims that his theater training has enhanced his career with Rotary International by teaching him how to draw people out in conversations. Read more.
Global Alumnae/i Living the Legacy of Father Mazzuchelli: Maryann Dreas-Shaikha 鈥10
April 2020 Alumnae/i Magazine
Maryann Dreas-Shaikha 鈥10, a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, is driven by a desire to tackle inequities in education. Read more.
Global Alumnae/i Living the Legacy of Father Mazzuchelli: Tyehimba Turner 鈥16
April 2020 Alumnae/i Magazine
Tyehimba Turner 鈥16 was part of the first cohort of Peace Corps volunteers allowed into Liberia to restore education systems in the wake of two civil wars and an Ebola crisis. Read more.
Concetta Cipriano Gacka 鈥07 using fashion to help refugees in Africa
May 12, 2020
Concetta Cipriano Gacka 鈥07 is participating as a designer for RefuSHE鈥檚 Fashion Challenge on June 18鈥20. Concetta's fashion brand, Cettina, is a women's designer clothing line offering made-to-measure cocktail dresses, gowns, and custom bridesmaid dresses. Read more.
Kalid Loul MBA 鈥15 donates PPE to essential workers
May 7, 2020
Kalid Loul MBA 鈥15 is using the company he founded, GlobalGeeks, to distribute masks to essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kalid contacted 海角社区 about a donation and GlobalGeeks sent 2,000 masks to campus. Read more.
Nora Wiltse MLIS 鈥03 receives ALA Award
May 5, 2020
Nora Wiltse MLIS 鈥03, teacher-librarian at John C. Coonley Elementary School, was honored with the 2020 Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award from the American Library Association (ALA). Read more.
VIDEO: Romney Cirillo 鈥08 thanks medical professionals
April 24, 2020
Romney Cirillo 鈥08, owner of Something Fishy Inc. and Mobile Aquatic Therapy, filmed a video on campus that thanked medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
Healthcare hero: Neil Ehmig BSN 鈥16
April 22, 2020
Neil Ehmig BSN 鈥16, a member of Dominican's first graduating class of nurses, has been picking up extra overnight shifts since his hospital unit transformed into a COVID-19 battleground. He was the subject of an article titled "Healthcare heroes: No stranger to the front lines." Read more.
Berto Aguayo '16 deepens impact of Increase The Peace
April 15, 2020
Berto Aguayo '16 has been selected to receive funding for a two-year fellowship with The Chicago Community Trust to deepen the impact of Increase The Peace. Read more.
Amy Affelt MALIS 鈥93 helps librarians lead the fight against inaccurate news
Amy Affelt MALIS 鈥93 is the Director of Database Research Worldwide at Compass Lexecon, a global economic consultancy. She is the author of two books and a Fellow of the Special Libraries Association. Read more.
Anal煤 L贸pez MLIS '17 live streams from Newberry Library
March 23, 2020
Anal煤 L贸pez MLIS 鈥17, Indigenous studies librarian at the Newberry Library in Chicago, has been using her 鈥渄own time鈥 while sheltering at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to live stream videos about treasures from the Ayer American Indian and Indigenous Studies Collection. Read more.
Melissa Bernasek MLIS 鈥06 serves Elgin library community via Facebook Live
March 19, 2020
Melissa Bernasek MLIS 鈥06, the director of information and digital services for the Gail Borden Public Library, has been using Facebook Live to reach the library community in Elgin during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more.
Easterseals names Marcy Traxler MBA '13 Senior Vice President of Network Advancement
March 12, 2020
Easterseals has named Marcy Traxler MBA '13 Senior Vice President of Network Advancement at its Chicago-based national office. She most recently served as Vice President of Business Development and Service Line Strategy at AMITA Health System. Read more.
Mariana Nicasio 鈥04, MAT 鈥09, MAEA 鈥13 named principal at Indian Trail
March 11, 2020
The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Mariana Nicasio 鈥04, MAT 鈥09, MAEA 鈥13 as the new Indian Trail elementary school principal. Mariana will assume her new role in July. Read more.
Stephen Davidson MAT 鈥09 named principal at IC Catholic Prep
March 6, 2020
Stephen Davidson MAT 鈥09 has been selected as the new principal of IC Catholic Prep, the board of directors announced. He begins the new role on July 1. Read more.
Joel Shoemaker MLIS 鈥16 selected to fight inaccurate news
February 15, 2020
Joel Shoemaker MLIS 鈥16 is the director of the Illinois Prairie District Library in Metamora, Illinois. He has been picked to serve on an international board of advisers of NewsGuard's News Literacy Program, a nonpartisan group that judges the accuracy of news websites. Read more.
Samantha Slocum 鈥18 joins Zoomba Group as Digital Media Editor
January 28, 2020
Samantha Slocum 鈥18 has been named digital media editor at Zoomba Group, publisher of Foodservice Equipment & Supplies (FE&S) and restaurant development + design (rd+d). She earned a degree in corporate communications from 海角社区. Read more
Michael Starasta MLIS 鈥06 selected Lincoln's Library Director
January 27, 2020
Michael Starasta MLIS 鈥06 has been selected as the new Lincoln Library District director. He will start in the position on March 11, 2020. Read more.
LaVerne Gray MLIS 鈥05 wins awards for doctoral dissertation
January 27, 2020
LaVerne Gray MLIS 鈥05, assistant professor at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies, has been winning awards for her doctoral dissertation titled, 鈥淚n a Collective Voice: Uncovering the Black Feminist Information Community of Activist-Mothers in Chicago Public Housing, 1955鈥1970.鈥 Read more.
Kasia Gonnerman MALIS 鈥欌嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧03 named dean of UAB libraries
January 23, 2020
Kasia Gonnerman MALIS 鈥欌嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧03 has been selected as the next dean of Libraries at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, following a national search. Kasia, who is the director of Vanderbilt University鈥檚 Central Library, will begin her work at UAB on April 1. Read more.
Beth Goncher 鈥93 hired as executive director of Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce
January 19, 2020
Beth Goncher 鈥93 will be serving in her position at the chamber as she also consults with her own company, Serenity Lane Enterprises. At her business management consultancy, Beth assists local businesses with developing operations plans to build long-term growth. Read more.
Ioannis J. Toliopoulos '91 leads innovative cancer research in Greece
January 2020
As the President of the Konstantinion Research Center, Dr. Ioannis J. Toliopoulos '91 is leading innovative cancer research in Greece. Ioannis has been traveling the world to present on the immunology of cancer. Read more.