PC: The position is what I expected and what I had hoped it would be. I am somewhat surprised by my ability to find my way around in GR. Of course it may have something to do with my trusty GPS system, but my family and friends would tell you that I am somewhat directionally challenged.

PC: I started college as a journalism/literature major, but when I discovered psychology, I was hooked. My interest in student development began when I was a graduate assistant at U of M. Although I never imagined teaching as a career, I found teaching classes and working with students energizing.

PC: I grew up in an environment where creativity was valued and making a difference mattered. I feel fortunate that I found a career where I get to do both on a daily basis. My earliest career aspirations were to be a cartoonist. I recall going through period where I wanted to be an astronaut but in retrospect I was probably drawn to the idea because there were no female astronauts at the time.

PC: We all have the ability to lead and the opportunity to make meaningful change. To me this means being committed, having values and teaching. My definition includes the ability to inspire other people to accomplish good things and striving to teach by example and motivating others to grow. Leadership is more than style or characteristics. It is the sum of all of our parts - it’s our world view, our inner self, our integrity and our ability to communicate vision, purpose and passion to others.

PC:. I believe in beginning with the end in mind. This means we don’t start with a problem and look for a solution - rather we start with a vision of what we would like to be and work backwards to discover the steps we need to take to achieve our goals. Collaboration is the key to positive change. When people understand the “what” of a change and also the “why,” they are more likely to embrace or own the change, and we, as an organization, are more likely to succeed-together.

Leadership implies change. It takes work, vision and time to succeed.

PC: I am a collector of quotes so if you visited my office you would find a framed print of quotes that has guided me in my career. Since we are on the subject of change I like this one of Thoreau: “Things do not change. We change.” Another favorite is “Grow where you are planted.” And finally, “All who wander are not lost.”

PC: We all need heroes. People to look up to, who model a lifestyle we admire. These people are not perfect, and because of this, they help us to realize that we can succeed in spite of our own imperfections. My grandmother was one of my heroes. She encouraged us to never back away from a challenge. She was the first woman in her town to cut her hair, to get a job and to learn to drive. When my grandfather died while she was in her thirties, she got a job and continued to work well into her eighties. She did everything with style - she was always slow to blame others or to feel sorry for herself and quick to advocate for others. I hope that I am like her.

PC: [At Aquinas] we seek a community that shares our values and passions and a community that we can make our own. I knew from that moment that AQ would be a good professional and personal fit. I wasn’t wrong. And I am so excited to be here! My immediate plans - to rediscover GR and become part of the AQ community.

The search is over.

After months of searching, Patricia Chase, Ph.D., known for her dynamic leadership, has been selected as the next dean of students.

“Dr. Patricia Chase was selected on the basis of her extensive experience in student affairs, her professional expertise in facilitating student success and her dynamism as a leader which was readily apparent during her on-campus interviews,” said Chad Gunnoe, provost and dean of faculty. “In the final analysis, all constituencies agreed that she was the best fit for the Aquinas community.”

Gunnoe had a primary role in organizing an advisory committee of student affairs professionals in the selection process. Each of the candidates interviewed for the position noted how impressed they were that, although the committee was small, meaningful student input was an instrumental component leading to the final decision.

The Dean of Students has a vital role in the management of departments in the Division of Student Development, which include the Academic Achievement Center, Campus Ministry, Campus Life, the Health Center, Career and Counseling, Residence Life and Student Support Services.

Chase has extensive experience in student affairs, most recently serving as director of the Counseling and Wellness Center at Alma College. Chase holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University.

“Not only does [Chase] have the intelligence and experience - in both depth and breadth - for the Dean of Students position, she has the personality for it,” said Dave Weinandy, professor of communication and director of Campus Life.

Weinandy served on the search committee, along with Assistant Professor of English Jennifer Dawson, Library Co-director Shellie Jeffries, senior Rachel Koval and Director of Human Resources Steve Wolf.

“Dr. Chase is approachable, sincere, caring, outgoing and creative,” said Weinandy. “I also loved her communication style and skills. Her personality is one that is student-centered, energizing and polished.”

Chase exemplifies the notion of “challenge and support” with both students and colleagues, said Weinandy.
“She understands and values our Aquinas culture, traditions and operations. She will support us as we continue to define and pursue them,” said Weinandy. “From what I observed, she not only values Aquinas and can articulate our values, but more importantly, she lives them. They are a vital part of her identity.”

Weinandy also believes Chase will challenge the administration to take all programs to another level of excellence - her ability to set high goals for her staff exists as a motivating factor that many faculty and staff members, including Weinandy, respect.

The College administration expects Chase will begin duties as dean of students on Oct. 27.

“We are thrilled that she is coming aboard,” said Gunnoe.

After a seven-game winning streak that ultimately led the Aquinas College women’s basketball team to the national tournament, the team became an unstoppable force not to be reckoned with.

Through injuries and strong competition, the team learned to play through hardship.

Although the team was defeated on the court last week in Iowa in the national tournament, the women’s willpower and attitude was certainly not defeated.

Complimented by other coaches for their “class,” the women’s basketball team remained positive through out the season.

“Through the injuries and everything that happened this season, everyone filled in the roles and we learned to play with adversity,” said assistant coach Ray Fron.

Senior Alicia McCarthy, the lead scorer in the game that led the women to nationals, felt the team was really able to pull together and consistently stay strong.

“I think that there were a lot of ups and downs and a lot of injuries and we still stayed strong through the whole thing and set our goals where they needed to be,” said McCarthy.

Every game different players seemed to dominate the court — one night perimeter players stepped it up while other nights different leaders emerged.

The team was “unselfish on spreading the ball around,” said Fron. “We learned to play with each other and each other’s talents.”

During the first half of the regular season, different players learned to fill roles on the team when some of the key players had injuries.

When the team started the second half of conference, they had a renewed sense of determination — they felt like they could start playing with anybody.

At the beginning of the season the coaching staff all agreed that their goal was to get to the national tournament.

“We like to set our goals high and along the way reinforce them,” said Fron.

Even when the team had a loss, they wouldn’t let it get to them.

“There’s no regrets. We wanted to make sure we left everything on the floor that night,” said Fron in regards to any loss or struggle the team may have had with an opponent.

Fron believes the defining moment of the season was winning seven games in a row, which led up to the chance for the team to vie for the title of national champion.

One month before the national tournament game, the team began its winning streak with the win over Indiana Tech.

Over the course of the month leading up to nationals, the team was able to defeat six other teams, including three competitors in the WHAC.

According to McCarthy, the team had a determined attitude towards every goal they set.
“We knew we could go to nationals if we really put our minds to it,” said McCarthy.

The team competed against Benedictine in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa last Thursday.

Although both sides played strong both offensively and defensively, Benedictine came out on top, 79-57.

“Although we may not have won the national tournament game, it was still a really good experience being there,” said McCarthy.

On Nov. 27, a thief walked into the Academic Building “where he planned to shop all day,” said Tony Nolan, director of Campus Safety. “He was doing his Christmas shopping.”

The first reported crime was that the suspect stole a wallet from the office of Sarah Cox, coordinator of the Academic Achievement Center.

“It was bizarre. I was in the corridor (talking) with colleagues and I saw the guy come in through the door,” said Cox in regards to seeing the thief leave her office. “I knew he was in there too long. At that point my life went into slow motion.”

Cox did not want to jump to conclusions or wrongly accuse, so she quickly hurried home when she realized her wallet was missing. “At that point you don’t trust your memory,” said Cox.

The suspect left the building and re- entered later, passing Cox as she returned from home. The thief looked at her and asked “alright?”

“People have told me I’ve been too nice about it,” said Cox. “Students said ‘you should’ve tackled him,’ ‘talk to him.’

“What do you when this happens to you?”

Cox took a good look at the suspect to be able to describe him to the police and she went back to her office and calmly sat down and tried to recall what was in her wallet. Within minutes she was able to cancel any credit cards.

Dee Wagner was able to also give a detailed description for Campus Safety, who chased him off campus to Rosewood, where they called in the police.

The suspect was described as “bold”— he was spotted on all the floors of the Academic Building before being approached by Campus Safety.

The colored security camera image captured shows the suspect calmly walking around the building, talking on a cell phone. Cox suspects the cell phone was a “rouse” to make him fit in. “No one down here gets a cell phone reception,” said Cox.

The image was released the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Cox is willing to tell her story to others to help alleviate any future, potential repeats from occurring. She encourages others to not carry social security cards in wallets and to note any important information, like bank numbers. IDtheftcenter.org is a site that Cox recommends to individuals in order to alleviate any potential identify theft situation.

“I’d like to thank everyone for being so kind and great,” said Cox. “And thanks to Campus Safety. They were helpful and concerned.”

In this world there are teachers, mentors and role models that come into the lives of others, leaving footprints on their hearts. Mary Orlicki was an individual that lives on in memory for the footprints she left in the hearts of those who lived, worked and grew with her in community.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, Orlicki passed away after battling malignant metastatic melanoma. Orlicki was an assistant professor for Spanish at Aquinas College and was awarded the AQ Woman of the Year Award for 2007.

On Nov. 2, students and staff, along with friends and family of Orlicki, gathered at Bukowski Chapel in remembrance of the professor who touched the hearts of so many.

Following the ceremony, which provided an opportunity for individuals to share memories and reflections, a tree dedication took place in the area next to the Holmdene gardens.

Orlicki earned her Ph.D. at Michigan State University and traveled extensively through out the Spanish-speaking world before becoming a member of the faculty at Aquinas in 2002.

At Aquinas College she touched the lives of many, who remember Orlicki as being a strong leader for women and role model for all ages.

“Mary was a wonderful professor and someone I truly looked up to,” said Aquinas graduate Courtney Myers. “I considered her a friend, a mentor and a role model for all women out there, young and old.”

Orlicki pushed her students to greatness — she believed in others and gave them strength.

“When I entered Dr. Orlicki’s class, I was terrified, as probably all of her students will understand,” said junior Kyla Sisson, who is studying Spanish further.

“Looking back, I think the reason for my fear was that Mary saw more in me than I did. She pushed me beyond my limits. She believed in me.”

Susan Gasster-Carrierre, professor of Spanish and French at Aquinas, remembers Mary Orlicki living life happy and committed to her passions. Gasster-Carrierre recalls how much Orlicki and her husband, Paul Emery, loved Circle Pines.

“She was healthy and happy that day, making apple cider and showing us the camp, telling us about the people who imagined such a place,” said Gasster-Carrierre, referring to a one of the days they spent together at Circle Pines.

Gasster remembers Orlicki as “happy and committed” in life.

Aside from service learning, Hispanic Women’s studies and Second Language Acquisition, Orlicki enjoyed swimming, yoga, novels and hiking.

Orlicki, who taught at elementary levels, both traditional and continuing education students and even overseas, served as a spanish professor, but was a mentor and inspiration outside the classroom.

“She taught me about life and how to live it,” said Myers. “I feel blessed for having the opportunity to get to know her and will miss her deeply.”

Orlicki was involved in college teaching for over 16 years and will forever live on in memory and always be a part of those who lived and worked in community with her.

“Whenever I feel totally inadequate and am ready to give up, I think of Mary,” said Sisson.

“She gave me a part of herself and it is my strength.”

The faces of college students nationwide are changing. More students are balancing the pressures of academics, extracurricular activities, work and a social life.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in three Americans end up dropping out of college — a stark contrast from past generations.Before entering college, students are encouraged to work on time management to balance the pressures of academics, work and adapting to new surroundings, but feelings of being over-whelmed prevail.

“As a freshman, I understand that when we first enter college or even once we adjust to being in a new place, we want to take on the world,” said freshman Meghan Michelon, who credits the new sense of independence to being a contributing factor to why students tend to take on too much.

“It doesn’t surprise me to hear that so many students are dropping out of school. When some spread their focuses too thin, it can be easy to lose focus on academics,” said Michelon.

According to new developments, statistics show that while it’s important to be involved on campus — being too involved can be a detrimental distraction for students.

Along with extra-curricular activities, work and academics, students must balance the demands of unexpected events, sleep deprivation, dramatic social lives and self discovery.

“I guess it kind of depends on what you get involved into,” said fifth-year senior Kate Firlik.

“I know people who are involved in structured groups on campus who have it more figured out (than) people who say ‘oh I’m in college and I can hang out with people all the time and not do this and not do my homework.”

In a society where procrastination and Facebook have become majors on college campuses, experts emphasize the importance of creating a balance in life between a social life, academics, stress and even sleep.

“Just don’t let any one thing be the major defining characteristic of your life. Don’t get so focused on volunteering or going to parties so you ignore your classes,” said Firlik.

“You have to have a good balance (and) it’s easier for students to balance everything when there’s structure to what they are doing.”

For continuing education students, the pressure is on while they work to incorporate earning a degree into the demands of everyday life.

“Basically you live different lives. You live your college life and you have to be an adult too,” said continuing education student Nichole Gamble.

“You have adult responsibilities that regular college students don’t have.”

With their whole lives ahead of them, many students feel added pressure having to decide what they will study for a lifelong career. On average, students change their majors three times during the course of their college career. Statistically, people will change their careers an average of seven times during the course of their lives.

“All I can say when you are older you tend to look at things differently and you tend to look at your future a little more instead of ‘oh I have four years to decide,’” said Gamble.

While the pressure is on for students to fundamentally lay out a life plan during the college years, many sleepless nights result.

Students are encouraged to get a full eight hours of sleep a night, but the reality exists that students are oftentimes only getting five hours, with a few all-nighters in the mix. Students in a college atmosphere are already susceptible to stress and sleep deprivation only worsens the problem.

Loss of sleep makes students more reckless, makes it more difficult to focus and makes individuals more emotionally fragile and more vulnerable to infection. During last fall’s convocation, inducting the class of 2010 into the college community, now-senior Will Guyeskey joked, “There are three things in college — sleep, friends and studying. Pick two.”

The sacrifices students are making to be more involved are becoming realities that has both its benefits and downsides. While studies show that students who are involved during college are happier, more successful graduates, a full schedule can be overwhelming.

“It’s really stressful, we all know that. But just remember that your life is not going to end if you fail something or have to give up a club membership or have to ask for help,” said Firlik.

“You need to know your limits, make time for yourself and check in with yourself and prioritize.“It has to be balanced. You have to make time for yourself amidst all that.”