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     • ADVANCE @ Mount Mercy

Mount Mercy College alumni make up an invaluable network of contacts across the country. They are involved and successful in a wide range of professions and are integral members of their communities. We've asked a few to share their Mount Mercy experience in the profiles that follow.

Christopher Arthur, '94, '99, resides in Plano, Texas as a Principle Data Warehouse Administrator for Fossil, Inc. While attending Mount Mercy, he majored in computer science and accounting and was involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), college newspaper and the Computer Science Club. "My Mount Mercy experience was enhanced by the various campus activities that provided networking opportunities, as well as providing for personal growth in critical skills necessary for life after college. My opportunity to get a job at Rockwell Collins was due in large part to my exposure to networking opportunities."

Tonia Philipp Bildstein, '97, '00, lives in Ely, Iowa, and is an Actuarial Technician II at AEGON USA, Inc. At Mount Mercy, she majored in mathematics and computer science and was involved in the Math Team and the Math Modeling Competition. "I was selected to be part of the first team ever to represent Mount Mercy in the math modeling competition. The math competition gave me a chance to interact with other math majors and see what different career paths were out there. By being part of the math modeling team, I learned about cooperation, sharing ideas, brain storming and respect for other ideas." "Everyone I met influenced me in some way. Whether it was a teacher teaching me a new subject or a fellow student giving me some guidance on a homework problem, I found I learned something from almost everyone I met. The ease at which everyone interacted with each other made it feel like you are part of a big family, with everyone watching out for each other and helping when you needed it most." "Having attended private schools for almost all my schooling, I found the smaller class sizes to be better suited for my learning. Even though it's not a one-on-one experience, it feels like it because the teachers go out of their way to help you learn. All of my teachers seemed to have an open-office policy where you could stop in anytime with questions."

Connie Keegan Brace, '71, resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is a Laboratory Manager at Weland Clinical Laboratories. She majored in medical technology at Mount Mercy and was a Student Ambassador, giving many campus tours. Connie also holds a M.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of St. Francis. "I had a strong background in biology and chemistry. I also had a one-year hospital internship, so when I graduated I was prepared for working immediately in the clinical laboratory." "I came from a relatively small high school with class sizes very similar to the ones at Mount Mercy. The professors knew you by name early into each course and genuinely cared about you."

Bridget Burke, '02, lives in Iowa City, Iowa, and is an Acute Care Nurse Practioner for Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines. At Mount Mercy, she was on the Mustang softball team and was a Resident Assistant (RA). Bridget also holds a M.S.N., Nurse Practitioner from Vanderbilt University. "Mount Mercy's nursing program has a long-standing reputation for being one of the best programs in the state. I chose to attend this college because I wanted the intimacy of a small college instead of the hustle and bustle of a large university. The atmosphere of a small college like Mount Mercy allows students to develop professional relationships with their professors which facilitates growth. The Mount Mercy nursing program is difficult and requires a great deal of discipline and time management to succeed. To be successful in this profession, you need to be able to multi-task and wisely manage your time. This was instilled in us, as students, from day one."

Mindy Druschel Burke, '99, resides in Robins, Iowa, and is a Social Worker III at the State of Iowa's Department of Human Resources. While at Mount Mercy, she majored in social work and psychology, was a member of the Mustang volleyball and softball teams, the Social Work Organization (SWO), Psychology Club, Student In Free Enterprise (SIFE) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Mindy also holds a M.S.W. in Social Work from St. Ambrose University. "I believe being involved in so many activities actually helped me academically because my activities structured my time. I enjoyed being involved in activities that were not related to my major because they allowed me to meet other people that I may not have otherwise. Also, being involved in so many activities during college has helped me to juggle the many tasks required of me at my job." "My favorite class was Mexican Social Welfare, where we traveled to Mexico for two weeks to study during January."

Christina Capecchi, '04 Majors: Communication, English Occupation: Reporter, MinnPost.com Resides in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Campus Involvement: Editor and reporter for the Mount Mercy Times student newspaper; Mount Mercy Activities and Planning (M2AP) Board; Special Events and Dances Committee chairperson; campus ministry; intramural sports. Christina also holds a M.A. in Journalism from Northwestern University. "By editing and writing for the Mount Mercy Times, I learned journalism first-hand. A college, in many ways, is a microcosm of society, and learning whom to talk to in various situations and which stories "matter" to the community was very helpful. Working for the paper, interning at the Cedar Rapids Gazette and chairing a M2AP Board committee strengthened my initiative, which is critical to success." "It was much easier to get involved and become a leader at Mount Mercy because of its small size. I doubt I could have enjoyed half as many leadership roles at a bigger school." "Cedar Rapids also provided me with lots of nearby internship opportunities. I interned at the Cedar Rapids Gazette and KGAN News, and it was easy to hop back and forth from my internship to my classes."

Kendall Moss Dillon, '93 Majors: Art - Graphic Design, Marketing Advanced Degree: M.B.A. Business Administration at Drake University Occupation: Director of Marketing and Communications, Des Moines University Resides in Des Moines, Iowa Campus Involvement: Student Ambassador; intramural sports. "My Mount Mercy education was excellent preparation to start my career. My classes gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed to enter the "real world." I think my positive experience at Mount Mercy also encouraged me to be a lifelong learner. I have since gone on to get my Master's degree. My career definitely had its roots at Mount Mercy, so I am grateful for the quality education I received." "One of my design professors deserves special mention as he had the biggest impact on me. He taught me to always strive for the best, to never be satisfied with average. To this day I am often reminded of his gentle nudges to take projects to the next level." "I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school, and being located in Cedar Rapids made Mount Mercy even more attractive. There is a lot to do in Cedar Rapids while still being manageable in terms of traffic and size. The school itself is small enough so you get to know all your classmates and professors."

Steven Doser, '90 Major: Sociology Occupation: Community Relations/Foundation Development Director, College Community School District Resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Campus Involvement: College choir; jazz choir; Resident Assistant (RA); campus ministry; intramural sports. "I appreciated the fact that the size of the campus was relatively small, but the opportunities in Cedar Rapids were endless. Cedar Rapids is a great city that offers a variety of activities and opportunities. I also loved the fact that the campus had the best view in the entire county." "Regarding academic experiences, internships were available for all students regardless of their field of study."

Cody Estling, '98 Majors: Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement, Psychology Occupation: Police Officer, Cedar Rapids Police Department Resides in Center Point, Iowa Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant (RA); Criminal Justice Organization president and member; Lundy Commons work study; Mount Mercy Activities and Planning (M2AP) Board; campus ministry; Student Alumni Career Ambassadors (SACA); numerous college committees. "The education I received at Mount Mercy enhanced my critical thinking and evaluation skills, showed me how to work hard and dedicate myself to accomplish my goals and improved my time management skills." "I feel the knowledge and experience gained from campus involvement is an essential part of your education. It teaches you many things that are necessary when you enter the work force and gives you a head start in knowing how to manage your time, problem solve and communicate effectively with different types of people. Many of the lessons I learned from my time at Mount Mercy, I still use today and have helped shape the person I am."

Meggan Heacock, '04 Majors: Accounting, Administrative Management Advanced Degree: Certified Public Accountant Occupation: General Services Associate, McGladrey & Pullen LLP Resides in Peosta, Iowa Campus Involvement: Circle K; Student Alumni Career Ambassadors (SACA); leadership program; various community service projects. "The communication and leadership skills I acquired in college have enabled me to succeed in my profession. Also, the technical skills I learned in my college accounting courses allowed me to successfully pass the CPA exam." "Not only do service projects within the community help others, but they also teach you leadership and communication skills you might not learn in the classroom." "The small size of Mount Mercy College gives you a chance to feel like you make a difference. The individual attention within the classroom makes it easy to ask questions and understand the information."

Andrea Thrasher Gehling, '99 Major: Music Advanced Degree: M.A. Music at the University of Wisconsin, M.A. Musicology Washington University (Mo.) Occupation: Recreation Specialist, Elder Care Resides in Madison, Wis. Campus Involvement: Campus ministry; Music & More; leadership program; honors program; Resident Assistant (RA); Student Ambassador. "My activities gave me a chance to interact with a lot of different people. They also allowed me to further develop my leadership skills and to help me figure out what I wanted to do." "I was most positively influenced by a couple professors. I did not realize graduate school was an option for me, but one of my professors realized I was good in music theory and encouraged me to apply and go to graduate school. Another professor was also very influential. I took two honors classes with him that encouraged me to think critically and outside the box, skills that apply to any field and helped prepare me for graduate school."

Tammy Bronk Hoeger, '02 Majors: Marketing, International Studies Advanced Degree: M.A. Student Development in Postsecondary Education at The University of Iowa Occupation: Owner, Capturing Moments Photography Resides in Winona, Iowa. Campus Involvement: Drama Club; International Club; Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE); Student Alumni Career Ambassadors (SACA); Mount Mercy Activities and Planning (M2AP) Board; Junior Class secretary/treasurer; director of Antioch Retreat 2001; music ministry for Mass. “It was through my Mount Mercy education that I first began to understand the importance of learning -- both in and out of the classroom. By becoming very involved in clubs, activities and programming boards I made lifelong friends and gained important transferable skills such as time management, event planning, public speaking and leadership. These skills have proven to be useful in my graduate work in Postsecondary Student Development as well as my current position in higher education.” “It was at Mount Mercy that I first ‘fell in love’ with the idea of college. The impression was so lasting that it inspired me to pursue a career in college administration. I owe it all to the wonderful folks at MMC who encouraged me to make the most of my time and get involved!”

Patricia Hoffman-Simanek, '98 Majors: English, Criminal Justice Advanced Degree: Juris Doctorate at the University of Notre Dame Law School Occupation: Vice President, Shuttleworth & Ingersoll Resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant (RA); English Club president; editor of Reflections magazine; Mount Mercy Times layout editor; founding member of campus chapter of Amnesty International. "I learned at Mount Mercy how to balance academics with community service and campus activities. Being able to participate in a variety of activities continues to help me develop into a well-rounded person." "What I gained during my time at Mount Mercy is reflected through my continued commitment to public service. I learned how to integrate a professional career and volunteering. My desire to be involved affected my choice of employment. I chose Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, in part, because of the firm's dedication to the community and its encouragement to be actively involved." "Most important was my English professor who originally sold me on the idea that the English major was a great way to prepare myself for graduate school and the practice of law. Another Mount Mercy professor encouraged me to challenge myself by applying to top tier law schools. Without their belief in my abilities, I never would have applied to Notre Dame Law School and realized my potential."

Michelle Jagodzinski-Poock, '96 Majors: Psychology, Marketing Advanced Degrees: M.A. Clinical Psychology at the University of Northern Iowa, Ph.D. Indiana State University School of Psychology Occupation: School Psychologist, Virginia Beach City Public School Resides in Virginia Beach, Va. Campus Involvement: Student Government Association (SGA); Mount Mercy volleyball; Psychology Club; Business Club; various committees. "My education and Mount Mercy College provided me the academic and professional training to exel in the field of school psychology. The professors provided the challenging and insightful instruction necessary to launch my career with confidence. I have felt very well prepared for the postgraduate programs as well as my current employment." "Involvement in extracurricular activities enhanced my ability to set and reach goals, communicate with people on a variety of levels and understand the importance of teamwork and responsibility. Influences from people like my volleyball coach showed me the importance of hard work, high expectations and a positive attitude."

John Kalis, '04 Majors: Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Applied Philosophy Advanced Degree: M.T.S., Theology, Harvard University Resides in Bexley, Ohio. Campus Involvement: Student Government Association (SGA) president and member; Drama Club; College Pastoral Council (CPC); Mount Mercy cross country and track & field; choir; Storytellers Club; Orientation Leader; Student Ambassador; Emerging Leaders; guest columnist for Mount Mercy Times; student speaker at various events; served on several college committees; work study employee. "The liberal arts exposed me to a wide base of disciplines, from music to philosophy, psychology and politics. Such exposure has the effect of making me a more critical thinker in my academic life, able to see situations from different perspectives and appreciate different ways of solving problems." "College is about growing as a total person, and the person walking across the stage at Commencement is shaped to a great degree by what happens outside the pages of a textbook. Academics alone could never have gotten me to where I am now."

Nicholas Mead, '01 Majors: Computer Information Systems, Computer Science Advanced Degree: M.B.A., Business Administration, University of Iowa, 2006. Occupation: Senior Program Manager, Rockwell Collins Resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Campus Involvement: Mount Mercy men's basketball and track & field. "At Mount Mercy College I not only gained the technical skills needed to be successful as a Software Engineer at a leading company in the avionics industry, but I also gained the interpersonal communication skills necessary to be successful in a professional business atmosphere." "The community of Cedar Rapids is a friendly and inviting environment. The surroundings made off-campus activities very enjoyable. The small college atmosphere at Mount Mercy made it very easy to approach and meet new people. It was nice to be part of such a large group of friends and never feel like you were lost in the crowd. My overall experience at Mount Mercy was very rewarding and enjoyable."

Catherine Metz, '00 Major: Elementary Education Advanced Degree: M.A. Ed., Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa. Occupation: Second Grade Teacher, Arthur Elementary Resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Campus Involvement: Theatre; Drama Club; Student-Iowa State Education Association (S-ISEA); Storytelling Club; concert choir; Jazz Connection; Student Government Association (SGA); Emerging Leaders; campus ministry; Student Ambassador; served on Strategic Planning, Founders' Day and Inauguration of College President committees. "When I tell people where I went to college for my bachelor's degree, they are impressed and know that I have received the background I need to be a better teacher." "The activities I participated in at Mount Mercy helped me to become a more balanced student, which made me see the need for service and to help others. I learned how to become a better organizer of my time and learned to work with a wide variety of people and their own experiences." "Being a native of Cedar Rapids, it was interesting for me to attend Mount Mercy. I had always known it was there, but didn't know what there was to offer. Mount Mercy kept me close to home, while being far enough away that I could learn and experience college on my own."

Marco Nannelli, '98 Major: Art -- Graphic Design Occupation: Creative Design Director, Presentations Resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Campus Involvement: Mount Mercy baseball; Art Club; Resident Assistant (RA). "If it wasn't for the first drawing class I took, I might never have realized that I could create art on a computer, and wouldn’t have become a Graphic Artist. I came to Mount Mercy thinking of getting a business degree, and I really wasn't quite sure what was out there for me. That one drawing project on a computer was my introduction to a career I didn't even think of." "After four years at college, I graduated and found a great job in my profession. I feel I left with a complete education and Mount Mercy really did set me up to succeed." "Home for me was Canada, a long ways away, so I really depended on campus activities and I involved myself with everything going on." "At college it is easy to get distracted, lost, and off track, but my design professor was there to make sure I didn’t and a few times got me back to where I needed to be. He motivated and challenged me to achieve in and out of the classroom."

Matthew Paul, '93 Major: Speech/Drama Occupation: Link Strategies, V.P. of Public Affairs Resides in Des Moines, Iowa Campus Involvement: Student Government Association (SGA); Drama Club. "Mount Mercy has a tremendous sense of place. The size of the college is complimented tremendously by the city of Cedar Rapids. Students can enjoy the comfort and convenience of a small liberal arts experience on campus, but have access to a number of civic, cultural and corporate experiences in the metro area. The college community is small enough to offer personal, academic and spirtual security -- that was critically important to me. Students seemed to understand that they matter to the life of the college but the city was large enough to explore and attain real experience for the workplace and beyond."

Kathryn Anders Pfiffner, '91 Major: Elementary Education, Religious Studies Occupation: Director of Faith Formation, Saint Mary's Catholic Church Resides in Monticello, Iowa Campus Involvement: Campus ministry; College Pastoral Council (CPC); liturgy/retreat planning; service trips; student orientation. "My campus activities enhanced my experience at Mount Mercy by refocusing my involvement and energy not only in campus life, but my faith as well." "Two professors who influenced me the most when I was at Mount Mercy were both gifted educators and wonderful people. They taught me that learning is something we never stop doing. Those lessons continue to inspire me as I work to complete my master's degree and teach others."

Nichole Clefisch Plagge, '97 Majors: Biology, Psychology Advanced Degree: Masters in Physical Therapy at St. Ambrose University Occupation: Physical Therapist, Mercy Medical Center Resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Campus Involvement: Biology Club president and member; Psychology Club; Student Government Association (SGA); work study program. "The education I received at Mount Mercy provided me with an outstanding basis of knowledge to allow me to further pursue my interest in health care and get accepted into a graduate program. The professors were especially helpful in assisting me with gaining health care experience and volunteer work, as well as work-study, to further my knowledge base in my field of study." "I feel campus activities played a critical role in the development of my public speaking, interpersonal, and leadership skills, all of which are essential in my profession today."

Joseph Rodts, '00 Majors: Political Science, Criminal Justice -- Law and Society Advanced Degree: Working toward Master of Law Enforcement at Western Illinois University Occupation: Program Coordinator, Clinton Community YMCA Resides in Clinton, Iowa Campus Involvement: President of the Student Government Association (SGA); Political Science Club; Criminal Justice Club; Student Ambassador; Resident Assistant (RA). "My experiences in college taught me to pay attention to detail and plan for everything. They also gave me the flexibility to adapt when I need to, which is about every day. I can effectively go out in the community and build alliances with key members of the community because I have the leadership skills and the ability to work in a group. This is a major part of what I do." "Because my professors at Mount Mercy had time to invest in the students, I have been a step ahead of other students in graduate school. Things that seem like review for me appear to be new topics for other students."

Dr. Eric Stenberg, '89 Majors: Biology, Chemistry Advanced Degree: D.O. Medicine and Health Sciences, UN Osteopathic Medicine Occupation: Emergency Room Physician, Jones Regional Medical Center Campus Involvement: Mount Mercy baseball; Biology Club; Friday Afternoon Club; intramural football. "The biology and chemistry courses that I took during my undergraduate years at Mount Mercy totally prepared me for my medical school core courses. In fact, the histology course I took at Mount Mercy was so comprehensive, I was able to become a teaching assistant my first year of medical school. Both my histology and biochemistry in medical school were basically review because of the excellent preparation I had at Mount Mercy. The medical school experience seemed less stressful due to my phenomenal training and coursework at Mount Mercy." "Through my involvement in baseball, I learned to effectively manage my time. I was able to excel in both sports and academics at Mount Mercy. Later in life at medical school, I was able to juggle studies while starting a family." "One particular professor at Mount Mercy taught me to work hard and enjoy life. His sense of humor in the classroom made the class enjoyable. His willingness to meet with me at any time to discuss course work, goals, etc., was impressive. We shared many memorable times both in the classroom and off campus, and we still enjoy a strong friendship today." "I had the chance to go to larger schools on baseball scholarships, but Mount Mercy was the perfect fit for me. Being from Cedar Rapids, it was nice to have a quality college here in town."

Kari Wulfekuhle Stillman, '97 Major: Marketing Occupation: Vice President Marketing, Priority One, Economic Development Division, Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce Resides in Marion, Iowa Campus Involvement: Business Club (now SIFE); Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA); Mount Mercy cheerleading squad. "I was most affected by a Business Club, now called SIFE. My senior year I was president of the club and learned from the leadership role of developing and organizing the program. I also learned how to work with a team and communicate on many different levels." "My involvement with campus activities allowed me to gain the confidence needed when taking on leadership roles in my professional career. Understanding how the dynamics of certain clubs work has allowed me to become involved much easier." "Going to school at a small college like Mount Mercy College increases the accountability you have as a student. At Mount Mercy you are not able to just get by or be a part of the crowd. The professors learn who you are and are able to get to your potential and not simply teach the subject. Also, being located in Cedar Rapids was one reason I chose Mount Mercy in the first place. Mount Mercy's involvement within the community is what allows students to improve their success upon graduation."

Jennifer Duggan, '04 Major: English -- Language Arts, Secondary Education Occupation: Special Education Teacher, John F. Kennedy High School Resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Campus Involvement: Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students (BACCHUS); College Pastoral Council (CPC); Math Club; English Club; Student Government Association (SGA); Student-Iowa State Education Association (S-ISEA); Campus Ministry; work study at the switchboard; Antioch attendee and director. "Mount Mercy taught lessons in class that they had been demonstrating for us all semester. The instructors made the material relative, meaningful, and applicable so we could achieve our goals long after our graduation." "Being involved in various clubs, organizations, and activities really helped me feel personally invested in Mount Mercy College. The opportunities for involvement on campus really demonstrated the goals of Mount Mercy to educate its population, change the community for the better, and cultivate well-rounded people. I felt like I was more than a student at Mount Mercy. I was really a member of so many families." "My involvement on campus was essential to my development as a professional. With the chance to sit in on meetings and be a facilitator of meetings, I learned how to thoroughly plan for a meeting, conduct a productive and efficient meeting, and record concise and accurate minutes. I learned how to collaborate with people inside and outside my immediate community for more involved activities and projects. I learned the necessity of making everyone feel like they have a place on the team and that they feel appreciated after they have delivered their end of the responsibility." "One of my professors recognized and believed in my potential early on in my education. I didn’t have much room for doubt or second-guessing because she was always right behind me with support and encouragement. She gave me pats on the back as often as suggestions for improvement, which helped me develop into a reflective and evaluative professional."

Mark Wiley, '04 Major: Secondary Education, History Occupation: Social Studies Teacher, Central Elkader Junior High and High School Resides in Elkader, Iowa Campus Involvement: Mount Mercy baseball. "I was involved with Mount Mercy's baseball team for two years, and now I am currently the head baseball coach at Central Community High School. I have coached three seasons and have taken a 4-28 baseball team and turned it into a respectable 19-19 club." "Mount Mercy gave me multiple experiences in a classroom setting, so when I stepped into my own classroom that first day, I felt right at home. It was great to have the opportunity to be in an elementary, middle, and high school setting so I knew which one best fit me." "The student population at Mount Mercy was excellent. I felt like I knew a lot of people at college and that made it really feel like home. I didn't feel like a number at college, and it was great to know your professors."