A group with roots in both Cedar Rapids and Slovakia has been chosen as the high school honors quartet for the 12^th annual Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival, June 16-22.

The members of the quartet are the oldest four of the eight children of Tracy and Brenda Lesan. Violist Jacob was born in Cedar Rapids, while sisters Anna, Jennifer (both violin) and Rebekah (cello) were born in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, where the family has lived for almost 18 years.

Brenda Lesan grew up in the Cedar Rapids area. Christian service took the family to Bratislava; they return to Eastern Iowa periodically to visit extended family.

“The Lesan family participated in the Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival during their 2010 trip home,” according to festival director Stephanie Wagor, “and made great friends and great music with us. We are delighted to have them back and to feature them as our honors quartet this year.”

The group will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the Chapel of Mercy on the Mount Mercy University campus in Cedar Rapids—one of four concerts capping the festival week. (See complete schedule below).

The Lesan students homeschool in English but their music language is Slovak. They attend music lessons at Zakladna umelecka skola Jana Kowalskeho (Jan Kowalsky Elementary Art School) in Bratislava.

The quartet plays for hymn singing and many other events of their church, and has entered in regional, national, and international competitions.

Ironically, the family doesn’t have Slovak roots, according to father Tracy, “but the last name, Lesan, is spelled exactly the same as a relatively common Slovak name meaning ‘forester’.”

The Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival, now in its 12^th season, brings together close to 100 musicians from around the world for a week of learning and performing in the nurturing environment of Eastern Iowa. Students, mainly from the Cedar Rapids area, collaborate with faculty from across the nation to make music and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Partnering for the second year with Mount Mercy University, the festival rehearses five days on the Mount Mercy campus for a series of gala concerts held at the beautiful Chapel of Mercy at the end of the week.

Friday, June 20, 5:00 p.m.: Flute and harp ensembles.

Friday, June 20, 7:00 p.m.: Strings, piano, and wind ensembles, including the Lesan family honors quartet.

Saturday, June 21: 7:00 p.m.:  faculty ensembles and the Festival Orchestra, featuring guest artist William Preucil and festival artistic director Suzanne Wagor in Telemann’s Concerto for Two Violas. (Concert sponsor: Rife Recording Studio, Marion.)

Sunday, June 22, 5:00 p.m.: Special concert of the Festival Orchestra, Tirrill Park, Manchester.

All concerts are free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Learn more about the Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival, in residence with Mount Mercy University.

For more information contact festival director Stephanie Wagor at 319-365-1510, or fiveseasonschambermusic@gmail.com.

On June 19, Mount Mercy’s oldest living alumna Frances McLaughlin Stauffacher JC’31 celebrates her 103^rd birthday.

Mrs. Stauffacher has experienced some amazing things over 103 years. She has been a teacher, worked for a life insurance company, and was a recreation worker for the American Red Cross during World War II.

Mount Mercy wishes the very happiest of birthdays to Mrs. Stauffacher!

Read more about the life of Frances McLaughlin Stauffacher in the Mount Mercy Magazine Spring 2010 edition. 

As the state of Iowa puts a cap on the primaries of last week, Director of International Recruiting and Integration Catharine Cashner settles back into her office at Mount Mercy after serving as a short-term observer for the early presidential elections in Ukraine.

As an international volunteer through the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), Cashner joined a team of 900 short-term observers from 40 countries. Their goal was to visit polling places to gather information on procedures including counting and tabulation. Their results were then reported back to the OSCE/ODIHR—an entity striving to assist governments in developing democratic societies—to help draw conclusions about the election process.

Cashner and around 90 other U.S. volunteers arrived in Ukraine several days prior to the presidential election for a comprehensive rundown of their roles and responsibilities during service. Teams then traveled to approximately ten polling stations on election day and formally logged observances for interpretation by a core group.

“We all met in the capital of Kiev for our briefing,” said Cashner. “Then my group took a train to Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine. Kharkiv is a city of about 1.5 million people, a major industrial and educational center, and the former capital.”

The presence of international short-term observers during Ukraine’s early presidential election was meant to help foster trust in the country’s newer democracy and to identify irregularities, if they occurred, which could then be remedied in future elections.

“I learned a lot about Ukraine and its history,” Cashner reflected on her journey. “This is my fourth time as a short-term observer, so I’m familiar with the observations process, and definitely hope to observe future elections.”

Congratulations to the following students named to the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester. Students with a semester grade point average of 3.60 or better, and who are graded (letter grade, not pass/fail) for six or more semester hours, are eligible for inclusion on the Dean's List.

As the curtain rises on the world-famous production of Les Misérables at Theatre Cedar Rapids tonight, one Mount Mercy University student promises to shine. Sophomore Julia Simons will bring to life Cosette, a lead character in the beloved show.

Simons, a native of Gilbert, Ariz., chose Mount Mercy to study music and English and started classes in Fall 2013. Her performance in Les Misérables marks the second Cedar Rapids community stage appearance since arriving at Mount Mercy in the fall. Earlier this year, she appeared on the Paramount stage as part of the chorus in Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre’s production of Carmen.

“I’ve been singing since I could talk,” Julia said, but she had no formal lessons during childhood. Her love of music has built the foundation for her higher-education path.

“Julia is part of a very talented class in the music department at Mount Mercy, and her gifts will continue to make her a major contributor during a time of exciting growth,” said Tony Nickle, piano faculty at Mount Mercy and production manager for the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre.

Before arriving at Mount Mercy, Julia had never thought about acting. She liked the technical side of productions and working behind the scenes. However, after some encouragement, she began to embrace the idea and her role as Cosette will mark her acting debut. 

“I wasn’t expecting to get into the show, let alone get Cosette,” Simons said. She was among 300 actors who auditioned.

“Not many undergraduate students can say they have sung in a professional opera production and have been cast in a principal role in a major community theater production.” Nickle stated. “I look forward to seeing her develop her promising talent over the next few years.”

Mount Mercy University congratulates Julia along with the entire cast and crew of TCR’s production of Les Misérables, running June 20 – July 27, 2014.

Each year, Mount Mercy selects one incoming freshman to receive the Sister Mary Ildephonse Holland Scholarship, a full-tuition award.

The Holland Scholar is selected based on ACT score and cumulative GPA, community service and extra-curricular activities, as well as participation in the university’s Scholarship Day Invitational.

This year, Kennidee De Vilbiss from Ossian, Iowa was selected from a group of 100 applicants. Kennidee was a valedictorian of South Winneshiek High School class of 2014. She was involved in track, cross country, and choir. 

Kennidee plans to major in nursing at Mount Mercy and will participate in cross country and track.

Veterans and PTSD

By Nicole Brighton, Student-Therapist

Thousands of men and women serve in the military all over the world. Upon returning home from overseas, some personnel struggle to adapt to the major transition from active soldier to civilian. A person may feel bombarded by a multitude of different stressors, including relationships, finances, employment, and a feeling of uncertainty about the future. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can also result from this life-transition.

PTSD is one of the most common challenges among veterans returning from deployment. PTSD is triggered by traumatic events and can include symptoms like reliving painful situations, emotional numbing and dissociation. Individuals coping with PTSD may be quick-tempered and more apt to argue with little or no cause. Some may act irresponsibly while others may be self-destructive – abuse substances or feel suicidal. Struggling people may startle easily in response to loud noises or unexpected events. Problems with concentration and focus are common, which can include remembering daily tasks, following conversations, and completing errands. PTSD also causes sleeping problems, many times due to nightmares or safety concerns.

PTSD is a very serious mental health concern, especially for our veterans. Sometimes, those struggling are hesitant to seek help. Some are afraid of a PTSD diagnosis while others are nervous that peers will view them as weak. However, there are treatment choices for those who decide to seek care. Sessions with a mental health professional can offer healing tools, and many benefit from peer-to-peer groups for validation and support.

In the end, it is very important for veterans experiencing symptoms of PTSD to seek the type of care that best suits them. It is also essential for family, friends, and colleagues to take notice of possible symptoms. Overall support is key in assisting veterans toward a brighter future.

Nicole Brighton is a graduate student in Mount Mercy's Marriage and Family Therapy Program. Her clinical expertise includes working with individuals, couples, and children. She will soon begin research on adverse childhood experiences alongside Clinical Director Jacob Christenson,Ph.D. LMFT. To schedule an appointment with any student-therapist at The Gerald and Audrey Olson Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic located at Mount Mercy CRST Graduate Center, call 319-368-6493 or click here.

Assistant Director of Admissions Hannah Suddendorf received the Iowa Association of College Admission Counseling’s (ACAC) Rising Star Award. This annual award recognizes one outstanding admission staff who exemplifies excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students in transition from high school to college. Suddendorf is the only Iowan to receive this honor in 2014. She is also Iowa’s nominee for the National Association of Admission Counseling’s Rising Star Award. That winner will be announced in September.

Sarah Washler, admission counselor, was one of three state nominees for the Iowa ACAC Admission Professional of the Year. Iowa ACAC members are given the opportunity to nominate up to three high school counselors and three college admission professionals throughout the state. The award honors members who go above and beyond to support the needs of students and their families.

Both Suddendorf and Washler were recognized for their accomplishments at the Midwest Association of College Admission Counseling Conference in Madison, WI on May 18-20.

Mount Mercy is pleased to announce spring 2014 graduates for February, May and June. Congratulations to all! Stay connected to Mount Mercy by liking the Mount Mercy Alumni Facebook page.

Spring 2014 graduates include:

Mount Mercy English professor Mary Vermillion recently published an article in Literature Interpretation Theory, a journal of literary analyses. Her piece explores author Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres, a 1991 rewriting of Shakespeare’s King Lear.

“I’m excited about the article because it combines several of my favorite teaching interests: Shakespeare, novels, feminism and social justice,” said Vermillion.

Her article entitled, “The Uses of Tragedy: ‘A Thousand Acres’ and American Exeptionalism” appears in Volume 25, Issue 2 in special edition Literary Counterhistories of US Exceptionalism. Read the article here.

Learn more about Professor Vermillion’s publications in her faculty biography. 

The Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) announced Mount Mercy’s Jason Furler ‘95 as their 2013-2014 Sports Information Director of the Year on Tuesday, July 8, 2014.

Furler, sports information director and athletic facility manager, has been with the University for 19 years. He is the primary media contact for Mount Mercy’s 15 athletic teams and handles logistics for all home sporting events.

Furler’s win recognizes his outstanding contributions to raising eastern Iowa awareness of Mustang athletics through his keen social media, journalism and media liaison skills.

Follow the Mustangs on Facebook and Twitter to stay connected to the action.

Eleven nursing students and their instructor Juh Shin from Seoul, Korea visited Mount Mercy’s campus on July 15.

Assistant Professor of Nursing Elaine Cook guided the students through the clinical simulation lab, the mock care environments where MMU nursing students practice classroom skills in lifelike scenarios.

The visit gave students a chance to explore the nursing curriculum of an American university, and ask questions about the differences and similarities in the learning experience.

Mount Mercy nursing student Tessa Friason accompanied the visitors on a general tour of campus as well.

Before arriving in Cedar Rapids, the group explored Chicago and Iowa City. Visiting Mount Mercy was one of their last activities before traveling back to Korea.

Veterans attending Mount Mercy University have a new place to network. In June, the university opened a lounge on the first level of Warde Hall specifically for service men and women to call their own.

“With computer stations and a printer, microwave and mini-fridge, meeting table and comfortable seating, we hope the lounge offers a welcoming place for veterans to connect with one another as well as to study and relax in between classes,” said Rob Callahan, vice president for enrollment management at Mount Mercy.

The lounge is in convenient proximity to the Office of Financial Aid and the registrar, both important players in sorting out veteran’s educational benefits.

“I’m glad the lounge is close by,” said Mount Mercy Registrar Chance McWorthy, whose office is just a flight above the space. “I hope the location encourages students to drop by with any questions they may have about their education benefits.”

The Veteran’s Lounge is open during regular building hours for Mount Mercy students, as well as staff, who have served in the U.S. military. 

Learn more about Mount Mercy's resources for military members and veterans.

A 1990s large-scale study by San Diego medical doctor Vincent Fellitti and Dr. Robert Anda of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked childhood trauma to poor adult health. These childhood traumas have been dubbed Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and are based on factors of abuse, divorce, imprisonment and substance use. ACEs have been at the forefront of many recent community conversations as social service organizations discuss what can be done locally to break this damaging cycle.

Mount Mercy’s Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy Dr. Jacob Christenson is teaming up with graduate student Nicole Brighton to address community concerns through research with Tanager Place, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families.

“I originally wrote about this topic (ACEs) simply in response to an assignment for Dr. Christenson's Research Methods class,” said Brighton. “Eventually it evolved into a thesis, which in turn Dr. Christenson prompted me to send as a research proposal to Tanager Place in the hopes of receiving grant funds and completing a research study.”

In May 2014, Christenson and Brighton’s proposal was approved, and a grant was awarded to fund a three-year study on the connections between caregiver and child ACEs.

“Past research has explored how traumatic childhood experiences have affected adult lifestyle choices and health,” explained Christenson. “Our research will explore the relationship between ACEs scores of a parent and ACEs scores of their child, and we will look at how these scores impact their abilities to bond with each other. We’ll also measure the influence ACEs have on the parenting skills of the caregiver.”

“I am hoping the study will show that there is a significant correlation between a caregiver's adverse childhood experiences and their attachment to their children,” said Brighton, “and in understanding this connection, I trust it will be beneficial for both families and therapists.”  

The pair hopes their findings will help behavioral health professionals treat and educate families who have experienced trauma in order to help them break cycles and promote healing.

“Without this gap in research being filled,” Christenson stated, “intergenerational traumas will likely continue to spread through families. By breaking patterns, it’s our hope that families are better able to cope and thrive through new treatments designed to address their specific needs.”

The quantitative study will collect data from at least 200 Tanager Place families and will conclude by May 2017. 

Mount Mercy University invites high school students and their families to visit campus during Iowa Private College Week August 4 - 8. Prospective students will have the opportunity to tour campus, meet with professors, coaches and current students, and learn about the university’s exciting academics and campus life. Sessions are available at 9 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. each day of the week.

All Iowa Private College Week visitors receive a free t-shirt and have the chance to win a $50 Bed, Bath and Beyond gift card. Lunch will be provided for those in the morning session and snacks will be offered for those attending the afternoon block.

“Iowa Private College Week offers a great opportunity for prospective students to visit Mount Mercy and explore the campus,” said Terri Crumley, dean of admissions. “Our current students, staff and faculty are excited to chat one-on-one with visitors to help them determine if MMU is the right fit for their goals.”

Mount Mercy University offers over 35 majors and minors that promise the outstanding education needed to build strong careers. With residence halls, suites and apartments nestled on a green hilltop, Mount Mercy presents a vibrant community for on-campus living. The university hosts six graduate programs in addition to traditional, accelerated and online undergraduate coursework.

Register to attend a session during Iowa Private College Week by clicking here.

Dr. Jacob Christenson, assistant professor of marriage and family therapy and clinical director of Mount Mercy’s Olson Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic has been named a member of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT) editorial board.

JMFT is a periodical of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and circulates world-wide to over 35,000 readers. As part of the five-year term on the editorial board, Christenson will write approximately four reviews per year.

“As the top journal in the Marriage and Family Therapy field, it’s truly exciting to join the editorial board of JMFT,” Christenson said. “I look forward to the journey ahead.”

Mount Mercy welcomes Jane C. Meyer, Ph.D., to the university’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Meyer is a 1982 Mount Mercy alumna and the senior associate director of athletics for The University of Iowa.

“Dr. Meyer’s exceptional leadership in athletics along with her tremendous experience in higher education will be extremely beneficial as the University welcomes the exciting days ahead,” said Mount Mercy University President Laurie Hamen.

Meyer’s service on the Board comes as demolition continues at the site of Mount Mercy’s new outdoor athletic complex. The facility will offer outdoor athletes a home field advantage for the first time in the institution’s 86-year heritage.      

“I am very honored and humbled to be extended the prestigious opportunity to serve as a member of Mount Mercy University’s Board of Trustees,” said Meyer. “I look forward to learning from and assisting President Hamen, Chair of the Board Brandt Worley and my fellow board members as we continue to position Mount Mercy University as a distinguished Iowa institution and national leader.”

Dr. Meyer has served as The University of Iowa’s senior associate director of athletics since 2001. Prior to her position at Iowa, Meyer was the director of education outreach with NCAA for nearly three years where she led a life skills program, alcohol and drug testing programs, along with gender equity education. 

Mount Mercy University is proud to announce a lead gift from the Lavern T. and Audrey Busse Foundation for the development of the University’s new softball complex. Busse Field will be located within the outdoor athletic complex at 909 17^th Street NE just blocks from the University’s main campus. An endowed scholarship for softball will also be established as a result of this contribution. 

“The Busses have stepped forward as ‘game changers’ for Mount Mercy athletics and their generosity will forever change the landscape of the University,” said President Laurie Hamen. “This transformational investment in support of our Home Field Advantage fundraising campaign underscores their long-standing commitment to our students and this community.” 

Existing buildings on 22 acres of land previously home to Terex Cedar Rapids were razed in July. Contractors are working to remove debris in preparation for construction.

“Audrey and I believe participation in athletics helps students develop leadership skills that will be invaluable to them throughout their lives,” said Lavern Busse, Mount Mercy Trustee Emeritus. “We thoroughly enjoy softball and can’t think of a better way to help the Mount Mercy University women’s softball program than to invest in the new athletic complex. We want our MMU softball women to have their Home Field Advantage!”

To learn more about Mount Mercy’s Home Field Advantage campaign or to donate, visit www.mtmercy.edu/homefield. 

In 2012 Mount Mercy University announced plans to renovate a former army and navy training facility on the city’s NE side into a state-of-the-art graduate center. The center opened its doors for classes in 2013.

“This fall marks one year since our graduate programs have called the Mount Mercy University CRST International Graduate Center home,” said Associate Provost Tom Castle. “It’s a beautiful space with study areas, a conference room for community use, and cutting-edge classrooms.”

The University will welcome members of the business community to explore the building and learn about Mount Mercy initiatives during their Aug. 21 PM Exchange through the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.

“We’re looking forward to the PM Exchange,” Castle said. “Guests will learn about Mount Mercy’s outdoor athletic complex, our six graduate programs, enjoy touring the center and they’ll have a great networking experience.”

Members of the community are invited to attend the PM Exchange from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21 at the CRST International Graduate Center, 1599 Wenig Road NE.

2014 marks the 100^th anniversary of World War I and Mount Mercy University invites the community to reflect on the legacy of The Great War during the university’s fall semester series: A Century of Glory and Shame.

From discussions on the flu pandemic to propaganda to the impact of the war in Iowa, the series offers a historical backdrop of interest to a variety of people. All events in A Century of Glory and Shame are free and open to the public.

“As an institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, who have a key focus on nonviolence, it seems only appropriate that our campus explore the ripples this war created– ripples that continue to be felt today,” said Joe Sheller, Mount Mercy associate professor of communication and event organizer.

A Century of Glory and Shame kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 26 with a panel discussion at 7 p.m. in Betty Cherry Heritage Hall on Mount Mercy’s campus. The panel, consisting of faculty from across academic programs—communication, nursing, English, history and music—will discuss the historical and cultural legacy of WWI. Attendees are invited to the Busse Library after the panel for an introduction to historical displays and refreshments.

The semester-long series will run through Veterans Day, Nov.11.

“November 11 is also Armistice Day, the day WWI came to an end,” said Sheller. “We hope the community will embrace these free learning opportunities and reflect with us upon the aftermath of the war that launched the modern world.”

A Century of Glory and Shame events are listed on the university event calendar.