Monsignor Stuart Swetland named new president of Donnelly College

KANSAS CITY, KAN. — The Board of Trustees of Donnelly College has announced the appointment of Monsignor Stuart Swetland, S.T.D., as the institution’s seventh president.

Currently completing his tenure as the Vice President for Catholic Identity and Director of Pre-Theology at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD, where he has served since 2006, Msgr. Swetland will begin his position with Donnelly College on July 1.

“I have prayed for the chance to lead a mission-focused college like Donnelly College,” said Msgr. Swetland of his new role. “This institution has a rich, storied history and has served as an anchor in the Kansas City community for 65 years. I’m honored to be a part of this continuing legacy and I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students to help elevate Donnelly to its fullest potential. We have exciting times ahead.”

Msgr. Swetland succeeds Steven M. LaNasa, Ph.D., who left the position in December 2013, due to his family’s relocation out of the country. Robert Bartunek, former Chairman of Donnelly College’s Board of Trustees, has served as interim president during the College’s presidential search.

“I was pleased to step in during the interim to help ensure that the great work that had begun under Steve’s leadership continued at Donnelly,” says Bartunek. “Since his departure, it has been my hope  that we would find a successor who would match Steve’s tenacity, resourcefulness and strength of character. I am confident that we’ve found those qualities in Msgr. Swetland, and look forward to great things to come for Donnelly under his watch. ”

“We are extremely grateful to Bob for his strong, decisive leadership during our presidential search,” said Dan Haake, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “For the past several years, Donnelly has been poised for growth and expansion, and with Bob at the helm, we have continued that momentum. Now that we’re beginning a new era under the leadership of Msgr. Swetland, we are excited about the additional opportunities that await us. His enthusiasm for our mission and our potential is energizing and infectious.  Our future will be further brightened through his guidance.”

“I am thrilled that Msgr. Stuart Swetland has accepted the presidency of Donnelly College,” remarked Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
“I have known and admired Msgr. Swetland for many years. He is a proven leader who will be able to build on Donnelly’s remarkable tradition and continue its important mission of helping its students develop both their spiritual and intellectual potential, equipping them to be community leaders.”

Currently, Msgr. Swetland holds the Archbishop Flynn Chair of Christian Ethics at Mount St. Mary’s University, serves as the Executive Director of the Center for the Advancement of Catholic Higher Education, is the Executive Secretary for the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, is a Knight Commander for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and is a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus.

Additionally, Msgr. Swetland hosts the weekly television show Catholicism on Campus on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and co-hosts the daily show Go Ask Your Father on Relevant Radio.

Msgr. Swetland received his undergraduate degree in Physics from the United States Naval Academy, where he was first in his class academically.

Elected a Rhodes Scholar in 1981, he entered the Catholic Church while studying at Oxford and was ordained a priest in 1991 for the Diocese of Peoria, IL.

He has a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford; a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary; and earned his Sacred Theology Licentiate and Sacred Theology Doctorate from the Pontifical Lateran University. Msgr. Swetland was named a Prelate of Honor in 2000 by St. John Paul II.

Donnelly College to host Multicultural Festival

KANSAS CITY, KAN. — Donnelly College will host its 2014 Multicultural Festival on Friday, April 11, from 4-10 p.m., at 608 North 18th Street, in Kansas City, Kan.

This annual, family-friendly event allows Donnelly College to showcase and celebrate the wide array of cultures included in its student population.

Highlights of this year’s festival will include fun and interactive student presentations;  authentic, international food sampling; henna body painting; live music and dance performances; and unique, hand-crafted items, which will be available for purchase.

Admission, as well as on-campus parking, is free and open to the public.

Student displays, designed to educate on local, regional, and international culture and customs, will be held from  4-6:30 p.m. in Donnelly College’s Community Event Center.

Food vendor sales, arts and crafts, and musical performances will take place from 6:30-10 p.m. in the Campus Meeting Room. Ottoman’s House, Ten Thousand Villages, The Embellished Body, and local, Latin music group, Son Selecta, will be among the featured vendors and performers.

“The Multicultural Festival is my favorite event of the year,” said Betsy Gran, Multicultural Festival Co-Coordinator. “Our students come from all over the world and it’s wonderful to celebrate their cultures–and ours–through food, dance and music.”

If you are interested in more details about Donnelly College’s Multicultural Festival, please contact Michelle Bridges at (913) 621-8757 or mbridges@donnelly.edu.

K-State, Donnelly College to partner on STEM program

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- A $2.5 million national grant will be used by Kansas State University and four other educational institutions in Kansas to help students find success in science, technology, engineering and math -- or STEM -- careers, regardless of their race, ethnicity or economic status.

The university is the lead institution for the five-year grant award from the prestigious Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, or LSAMP, program of the National Science Foundation. This program is aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of students successfully completing STEM baccalaureate degree programs, as well as increasing the number of students qualified, prepared and accepted into graduate study programs. It is named in honor of Louis Stokes, a longtime African-American congressman from Ohio.

Kansas State University is partnering with Dodge City Community College, Garden City Community College and Seward County Community College/Area Technical School, all in southwest Kansas, and with Donnelly College, a minority-serving private institution in Kansas City, Kan., to establish the KS-LSAMP program, Pathways to STEM. The schools were selected because they serve the rapidly growing Hispanic/Latino population of the state and have strong existing ties to Kansas State University.

An initial meeting to introduce the program and its alliance members will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 14, in the Town Hall Room at the Leadership Studies Building at Kansas State University, Manhattan.

The schools will use Pathways to STEM to build upon and expand recruitment and retention strategies of underrepresented students -- including African-Americans, Native Americans/American Indians and Hispanic/Latino students -- and their ultimate transfer to Kansas State University.

"One of the exciting aspects of this project is that it will develop an innovative pathway that reflects the unique institutional characteristics and student demographics of each partner institution. The pathway will lead to an increase in the number of diverse students who receive STEM degrees, which will in turn address regional and state workforce needs," said April Mason, principal investigator of the project and Kansas State University provost and senior vice president.

The project will include specialized activities at critical junctures in the pathway, Mason said, such as high school to college; two-year to four-year institutions; and the critical freshman-to-sophomore transition at four-year institutions.

"The overall goal will be to double the number of underrepresented students graduating with baccalaureate STEM degrees from K-State within the five years of the project," she said.

A particular focus of the program is recruitment and retention of military veterans in STEM fields because Kansas is home to two Army posts and an Air Force installation. A significant number of underrepresented veterans are enrolled at the partner institutions.

"Kansas State University is known as a military-inclusive institution, and the KS-LSAMP program will work with veterans' offices to provide the specific transitional support needed by veterans, such as peer advising and mentoring. These types of programs are critical to enhancing the educational experience and success of our veterans," said retired Gen. Richard B. Myers, former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a Kansas State University alumnus.

Pathways to STEM also is aligned with the goals of Foresight 2020, the Kansas Board of Regents' strategic plan with the goal of having 60 percent of the Kansas population achieve a postsecondary credential. Key to accomplishing this goal is increasing postsecondary participation from first-generation college students, particularly students from groups that have not historically been represented in postsecondary education.

Each partner in the program has identified new initiatives that will help with the implementation and success of the project, including focused and enhanced recruiting; development of detailed transfer guides; training for admissions personnel and academic advisers; student enhancement programs such as student research opportunities, internships, math immersion and alternative spring breaks; career counseling; formal and peer tutoring; and improved student tracking.

A team of faculty and administrators from four Kansas State University colleges helped Mason develop the Pathways to STEM proposal and serve as the grant's co-principal investigators.

They include Bette Grauer, assistant dean for retention, diversity and inclusion for the College of Engineering; Beth Montelone, associate dean for research in the College of Arts and Sciences; Linda Thurston, associate dean for research and external funding in the College of Education, and Zelia Wiley, assistant dean for diversity in the College of Agriculture. Project leaders at partner institutions are the presidents or chief academic officers.

Donnelly Board appoints trustee as Interim President, leads search for the 7th President of Donnelly College

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Donnelly College’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the election of Robert R. Bartunek as Interim President, effective December 6.  The Board’s action follows the announcement of President Steve LaNasa’s plans to leave his post later this month. A comprehensive presidential search led by Donnelly Board Chair Dan Haake is also currently underway. 

Bartunek has been a member of Donnelly’s Board of Trustees since 2005 and served as Board Chair from 2010-2012.

“Bob has demonstrated exceptional insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Donnelly,” said Donnelly’s outgoing president, Steve LaNasa. “He has exercised sound leadership, generated engagement from new constituencies, and has been a voice of appreciation for the work of our faculty and staff and the contributions of our volunteers and benefactors. Additionally, Bob’s focus on the details, on keeping open communication flowing, and his high expectations for those with whom he works will be of benefit to the college.”

Bartunek, a shareholder at the law firm Seigfreid Bingham, has more than 35 years of legal experience, primarily representing a variety of closely-held businesses and their owners, trade associations and other tax-exempt organizations.

“As a Board, we are unanimously pleased with Bob’s commitment and willingness to take on these responsibilities while maintaining his involvement in his law practice,” Haake said.

“I’m honored to serve Donnelly in this way,” Bartunek said. “I have a long history with the college and believe it’s important to continue the progress that Steve initiated while the Board carries out its search for the next president. I am looking forward to working more closely with the fantastic faculty and staff in carrying out the important mission of Donnelly, and getting to know some of the friends of the College better.”

Nearly 85 percent of Donnelly students are first generation college students. The College’s commitment to keep tuition affordable and provide financial assistance to students who show promise has opened the doors to higher education to thousands of area students.

Under LaNasa’s leadership, the College initiated a $25 million, multi-year, comprehensive campus development and renovation plan. The first phase of the plan was completed earlier this year with the opening of a new $1.6 million Community Event Center, the first new construction at Donnelly in 50 years.

Major gift commitments from several donors, including the College’s sponsor, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, are fueling the plan’s second phase, which is expected to break ground within the next year. George Breidenthal and William H. Dunn, Sr. are co-chairs of the College’s capital campaign.

The next phase of development will focus on renovations to the main tower, including construction of a new entrance, a campus chapel, a state-of-the-art academic resource center and library, and additional improvements that enhance the overall learning environment.

“We are blessed to have someone of his tenure on the board to step up in this way,” said Donnelly Trustee Dan Braum, ’71. “What touched me the most was his motivation to continue our recent unprecedented growth. He cares so much about this college, and will ensure not only a smooth presidential transition, but also continued progress towards Donnelly’s strategic plan.”

Donnelly’s ongoing board-backed strategic initiatives include:

• Completing the $25 million capital campaign and renovation project

• Expanding enrollment and academic programs

• Expanding student services to promote continued educational success;

• Raising awareness of the special mission and tremendous success of the College.

Details regarding the search for a new president are available at www.donnelly.edu/presidentialsearch.

Donnelly College President Steve LaNasa to leave in December

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Donnelly College President Steve LaNasa announced plans to leave his post in December. LaNasa has served as the institution’s president since 2008.

Under his leadership, the College, located in Kansas City, Kan., has experienced a robust period of program growth and campus expansion.

LaNasa’s decision to resign was prompted by an opportunity for his family to live abroad. His wife, a Cerner executive, has accepted an international assignment with the company.

“It is with mixed emotions, both regret and excitement, that I share the news that I will be leaving Donnelly College and Kansas City,” said LaNasa, in a letter to the Donnelly College community. “That excitement, however, also comes with a deep sense of regret because my time at Donnelly will come to an end.  Donnelly College has represented a profound blend of my faith-life and my experiences working in higher education up to this point.”

Transition planning, including a search for LaNasa’s replacement, led by Board of Trustees Chairperson Dan Haake, is underway.

Donnelly College's "Feel Good Fair" to be held on Sept. 21

Donnelly College hosting Multicultural Festival today

Sorry for the late notice, but I was just given information about this event today.

See the flyer for more information:

Over $206K raised at Donnelly College scholarship dinner

Donnelly College’s Sixth Annual Scholarship Dinner raised more than $206,000 for scholarships and for establishment of the Breidenthal Family Endowed Scholarship Fund.

More than 500 guests gathered at the Jack Reardon Convention Center on Sept. 27th to pledge their support of Donnelly’s mission and to honor Board of Trustees member and Class of 1969 graduate George Breidenthal.

The theme of the event – Small Keys Open Big Doors – reflects Donnelly’s commitment to broadening higher education opportunities for first generation college students. In fact, 85 percent of the College’s students are the first in their families to attend college.

More than 75 percent of Donnelly students are low-income and the College is the region’s only federally designated Minority Serving Institution and Hispanic Serving Institution.

Though annual tuition is just under $6,000, it is cost – not ability – that remains the students’ biggest hurdle to earning their college degrees. The availability of scholarships plays a critical role in helping students enroll in college.

Dan and Pat Haake, a 1972 graduate, along with Dr. Cynthia Lane, Superintendent of Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools, served as chairs of the dinner. Willard B. Snyder and Dr. Mary Davidson-Cohen served as honorary chairs.

Donnelly College launches first phase of campus improvement project

Donnelly College, 608 N. 18th, has initiated the first phase of a campus improvement plan – the most comprehensive in the institution’s 63-year history.

Nearly 200 people – including students, faculty, staff, area residents, community leaders and elected officials – gathered Wednesday, Sept. 12th to hear details about the new Donnelly Community Event Center.

The Center, scheduled to open in spring 2013, will double the College’s event programming space and serve as a venue for meetings and campus events.

In addition to serving various needs of the Donnelly community, this new 3,196 square-foot facility will provide much needed meeting and event space for community organizations and non-profits.

When finished, it will accommodate 200 people and feature a catering kitchen, state-of-the-art multi-media technology, a circle drive drop-off and outdoor courtyard.

“Donnelly has a long history of investing in our community and in our youth,” said Joe Reardon, Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government. “It’s clear today that intentional efforts by institutions like Donnelly, along with companies like Google, are building a stronger future for Wyandotte County.”

AT&T donates $100,000 to Donnelly College

News Release

Donnelly College has been named as one of 47 recipients nationwide that will share in nearly $10 million from the AT&T* Aspire local impact initiative designed to assist organizations dedicated to addressing the nation’s high school dropout crisis.

With more than 1 million students impacted since its launch in 2008, the AT&T Aspire program is one of the largest corporate commitments focused on helping more students graduate from high school ready for college and careers.

AT&T announced an additional $250 million expansion to the program earlier this year, bringing the total commitment to $350 million.

Educators in schools and non-profits across the country have a unique understanding of the challenges students face in their communities.

Through a competitive process, 47 schools and non-profits, including Donnelly College, were selected from thousands nationwide.  To learn more about all of the organizations that were selected, please visit www.att.com/local-impact.

“AT&T is extraordinarily proud to support the great work of Donnelly College,” said AT&T Kansas President Steve Hahn. “It will take all of us working together and supporting the hard work of the education community to continue to improve graduation rates and preparedness for college and careers. Not just AT&T, but all of American business has an enormous stake in the success of our students. It’s time to commit more innovation and resources to the task.”

REMINDER: Donnelly College to host Google Fiber meeting Tuesday

Check out the flyer below for more information:

Donnelly College to host informational meeting regarding Google Fiber

See the flyer for more information:

Donnelly College offering Community Leadership class to the public

Kansas City, Kan. will become a community laboratory this fall as students enrolled in The Art and Practice of Community Leadership, a semester-long class offered by Donnelly College, explore the people, places, politics and potential of Wyandotte County.

Students will study the hallmarks of various leadership styles and put newly acquired knowledge into community context through conversations with leaders and off-campus experiences  that highlight notable neighborhoods and landmarks.

The class, co-taught by Carol Marinovich, former Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas; Susan Keim, director of Donnelly’s Organizational Leadership bachelor’s degree; and Pat Brune, community leader, is open to the public and will combine fun, interactive, in-class exercises with community-based activities including meetings with local elected officials and tours of important community buildings.

“The primary focus is providing participants with a unique opportunity to connect with current community leaders,” said Marinovich. “We’ll examine different leadership styles and help students discover and refine their own approaches for managing projects and processes. We believe the cultivation of capable leadership is essential as KCK continues to move forward.”

The course, now in its second year, falls under the umbrella of Donnelly’s baccalaureate program in organizational leadership.

The course can be taken for non-credit at a cost of $200, or for three credit hours. There are no prerequisites required.

Donnelly College inducts Alumni Hall of Fame Class

On Thursday, May 10, Donnelly College inducted five new members into its Alumni Hall of Fame at its Third Annual Induction Ceremony.

The inducted alumni included Fr. Frank Horvat, '52, Don Wolf, '56, Pat Callaghan, '59, Kevin Keefer, '72 , and Ted Garcia, '93.

The annual event, held the Thursday before graduation each year, attracted more than 100 individuals to celebrate this year’s inductees.

Each inductee was present to share their reflections about the honor and the impact of Donnelly on their life.

“The Alumni Hall of Fame event is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Steve LaNasa, Donnelly President. “It’s amazing to hear how much Donnelly impacted their lives and how tremendously they have lived the values and used their Donnelly education to improve the world around them. I’m so fortunate in my role to get to know our alumni, hear these stories, and to witness the same potential in our graduating class of 2012."

LaNasa also introduced the Alumni Hall of Fame Scholarship, funded through contributions in honor of current and past inductees.

A student honored with funds raised this year will be named at next year’s induction ceremony.

Donnelly’s Alumni Board Chair, Phil Doherty, ’62, and Board of Trustrees Chairman Bob Bartunek introduced and presented the awards to the inductees. 

Donnelly accepts nominations year-round and encourages those who know a Donnelly alumnus who exemplifies the mission of the college through service to others to please nominate them!

About the Inductees

Father Frank Horvat attended the Seminary after Donnelly and was ordained in 1958. He spent more than 50 years as a priest in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas in 12 parishes, serving the last 19 years before his retirement at St. John the Baptist on Strawberry Hill, the same church where he was baptized.

Father Frank has always been a strong champion of Donnelly College and has touched the lives of many generations of Kansas City residents.

His niece and God-daughter Barbara Kauffman accepted the award on his behalf, noting how grateful he was for the Presidential Scholarship that allowed him to attend Donnelly.

Don Wolf has been designated as a Master Photographer in recognition of his skill and artistry with a camera. Don has also been a tireless supporter of two orphanages in Croatia, his family’s homeland.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do after High School, had no goals and was floundering,” Wolf said during his acceptance.” I met a guy at my work who mentioned that he was attending Donnelly and he thought I should too. On the first day of class I sat at the very back so no one would notice me. When Sister Ligouri called roll, she called me ‘Mr. Wolf’ and I realized I was somebody. It changed my life.”

Pat Callaghan spent her life educating others. She taught at St. Patrick and Cathedral schools in Kansas City, Kansas and taught at Donnelly from 1984 to 1990. She came back 11 years later as an academic advisor until her retirement in 2008. Pat has served on Donnelly’s Alumni Board and volunteers with the Keeler Women’s Center and other local agencies.

Callaghan recalled, “I came to Donnelly indecisive and not feeling good about myself. The warm welcome I received from the Benedictine sisters at Donnelly validated me. Donnelly contains the footprints, fingerprints, and mindsets of all the former students and teachers who have made Donnelly what it is today. Those still here are the future legacy for Donnelly.”

Kevin Keefer is the founder and owner of Huntington Hospitality Financial Corporation, an accounting services company dedicated to the hospitality industry.  Kevin and his wife Pat have also given back by supporting their local schools and parishes as well as a primary school in Nigeria.

“I didn’t know what to do after High School but a high school counselor suggested Donnelly,” Keefer said. “I took some accounting courses and really liked them. I then majored in accounting at K.U. and discovered a career I was passionate about.”

After Donnelly, Ted Garcia went to Rockhurst University completing a B.A. with a double major in Sociology and Spanish and then earned his J.D. at the KU School of Law in 1998, quite an accomplishment as the first in his family to graduate High School and college.

Today, as the founder of the Garcia Immigration Law Firm, Ted practices immigration law in Wyandotte County serving immigrants whose stories he personally relates to.  Ted also served on Donnelly’s Board of Directors. 

“I had no idea what I wanted to do,” Garcia said, “but I knew I was destined for something. I had no role models, but a friend who worked at Donnelly suggested I go to college there. I was awarded a presidential scholarship and that planted a seed which was nurtured and flourished.”

Donnelly to host first annual pediatric health fair

Donnelly College’s Practical Nursing program is organizing a “Spring into Health” Pediatric Fair taking place Saturday April 14, 2012 from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

The event is free, and families across the Kansas City area with children between the ages of one to 18 are welcome to attend.

There will be more than 20 health and safety related stations that will include child health assessments and screenings for vision, hearing and blood pressure. Car seat inspections will take place.

The Wyandotte Health Department will present information relevant to older youth, such as diet, drug prevention, stress and coping mechanisms.

Donnelly is partnering with KU Medical Center who will provide several physicians to the Fair. The “Ask-a-Doctor” will booth will address any and all questions regarding pediatric care.

Children will also find various entertainments, including a moonwalk, face-painting, music, exercise and coloring stations.

The Donnelly students organizing this event are at the end of their Practical Nursing academic program and will graduate in June.

According to Maureen Wiederholt, Director of Health Occupations for DC, “This Fair was born out of a service learning project in the Mother and Baby Child Development Class, and the students have done an amazing job with it. It’s clear that there’s a tremendous need in the community, and Donnelly’s PN students look forward to offering this program annually each spring.”

The event will be held in the Donnelly College parking lot. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place indoors in the Donnelly College Meeting Room.

Donnelly Soccer Club to give soccer clinic to local fourth graders

Donnelly College and Community in Schools of Northeast Kansas have partnered to connect 4^th graders at M.E. Pearson and Whittier Elementary Schools in Kansas City, Kansas, with Donnelly’s Soccer Club for a free Soccer Clinic.

The clinic will take place Saturday, March 31^st from 10:00am-12:00pm at City Park, 3499 Park Dr, Kansas City, KS 66102.

Donnelly students that are members of the College’s Soccer Club will lead the 4^th grade students of both elementary schools in soccer drills. Snacks, give-a-ways and music will help to make the clinic a fun event.

This program is an outreach of the mission each organization. Donnelly College aims to make college accessible and fosters student success through holistic supports that promote college graduation.

Communities In Schools of Northeast Kansas aims to surround K-12 students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

“Here in Kansas City, Kansas, we instantly noticed a passion for soccer in our elementary students,” said Jamie Thiessen, Communities In Schools of Northeast Kansas’ Site Coordinator for M.E. Pearson and Whittier Elementary Schools.

Because of that, CIS created a soccer team, playing in Fall and Spring, that practices at or near the school, and participates in the local Parks and Recreation League.  The interest is so great that CIS has to turn away students once the team is full, Thiessen says.

“Through the soccer team, we are able to teach our students soccer skills, official game rules, and teamwork, as well as improve school attendance and give them a safe place to play after school,” according to Thiessen. “By partnering with Donnelly College’s Soccer Club, our students will learn new skills to help their game. Also, we hope the connection with Donnelly will help them think about their future and going to college will be an underlying result."

Donnelly College’s Office of Service Learning coordinated with CIS to help organize the clinic.

“The clinic gives Donnelly students the opportunity to give back to their community while also giving them another chance to practice the skills in leadership and effective communication that are being developed in the classroom,” said Andrew Julo, Donnelly’s Service Learning Coordinator. “Donnelly’s service learning initiative is always looking for more ways to engage students at the College by providing them with real world experiences that contribute to their learning in addition to having a positive impact on the community.”