CSC MINNEAPOLIS HEALTH CAMPUS ALUMNAE/I
ALUMNAE NEWS, PROFILES, EVENTS
St. Mary's Junior College Alumnae/i Celebrate Spring Reunion. For highlights....
Founders Legacy Awards Three associate degree students, soon to be alumnae, were awarded the 2009 Founders Legacy Award: (left photo) Lisa Husnick M '09 with the Occupational Therapist Program Director Marianne Christiansen to her left; (right photo) Kasandra Grondin M '09 with Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director Susan Nelson to her right; (bottom photo) Pattie Garcia M '09 with Radiography Technician Program Associate Professor Alan Bode.
 The Awards were presented on March 18, 2009 at a luncheon ceremony. The Founders Legacy Awards are given to Associate Degree graduating students who embody the legacy of the CSJs by demonstrating commitment and growth in the educational process; a unique background, skill set, or history that will enhance their chosen field; and the ability to “see beyond oneself” and contribute positively.
Pattie Garcia, A.S. in Radiography ‘09, is hoping to progress to her B.A. as a traditional St. Catherine undergraduate. Garcia is a single mother of two daughters and a first generation American who is bilingual.
“At orientation, I felt an immediate connection to St. Kate’s. I had been to community colleges and there were always problems. But something in me said ‘I’ve finally found a school where I belong. I’m going to go all the way. ’ Here the teachers and staff have all been unbelievably helpful and they really do care. . . . While I’ve been going to school, I’ve been working evenings and weekends, first in medical records and then I got a position in Urgent Care reception. … There’s no question that I’m going to keep going and get my bachelor’s degree at St. Kate’s. I want to go in the day program. So I’m going to look for a position in a radiology department and see what works out. If I don’t find a position, I want to be studying on the St. Paul campus in the fall.”
 Sahra Noor M '00, SP '02 Plays Key Role in St. Catherine Somali Mental Health Care Project. Nurse, Somali Immigrant and Director of the Language Services and Community Outreach Departments at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, Sahra Noor has much to offer this project in terms of professional and personal experience. For more...
| LINKS to ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
& PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
(just click on the program title
for more information)
Minneapolis Health Campus
Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Program
Holistic Health Studies Alumnae Page
Associate Degree Programs
Certificate Programs
Access and Success Program
 Holistic Health Director Janet Dahlem Teaches Alumnae How Laughter Is Physically, Spiritually, and Emotionally Good for Us. For more...
 Mary Broderick, Former Interim College President, Dean of Minneapolis Campus, and Nursing Professor, Retires after a 50- Year Career in Health Care and a Tenure as the CEO of Catholic Eldercare in Minneapolis. For more... |
Bob Kirk M '98, in his late sixties, is one of the most nontraditional St. Catherine alum you'll ever meet -- and soon a member of the Alumnae/i Association Board. When he was in his fifties, with a PhD in chemistry and a lucrative job as a 3M research scientist, he went back to school to prepare for a retirement career as a nurse. He urges other people to do the same for a great retirement career in paid or volunteer positions. He's working with Native American experts and writing healthy-eating cookbooks for Native American children to create positive eating habits and prevent obesity and diabetes. "You work only when you want, and the volunteer opportunities are terrific!" For more...
| MORE ALUMNAE NEWS, PROFILES, EVENTS
 Nadine Shand Paitich M '78 Named Home Care Executive for Health East. For more...
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Phai Vang ’09
Minneapolis, Minn.
Associate of Science in nursing
Birth country: Thailand
Off-campus job: Nursing assistant at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview
On-campus job: Resident advisor in Minneapolis campus student housing
St. Kate’s connection: Phai learned about the college from his sister, who also went to St. Kate's.
Smaller is better: After spending time at a large public university, Phai appreciates the small classes, accessible, enthusiastic professors and close-knit community at St. Kate’s. “The learning environment is a lot better. I’m learning more material that helps me pass my exams. It’s helpful to have professors who motivate us and want to see us succeed,” he says.
A man at a women’s college: “In a class of 20, I might be the only male. It’s very interesting to be the man who breaks the mold.”
Diversity matters: Phai's classes on the Minneapolis campus are coed, “with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and ages. There are people in their 20s and some 40s and 50s — some people are starting their second or third career. We have a lot we can learn from each other,” he says.
The best-kept secret of St. Kate’s: “It’s like a family — the people make it what it is. Each person brings something different to the community.”
Best St. Kate’s memory: Living on campus. “It goes back to learning from each other. I started my first year not knowing anyone, and it’s been great getting to know the other guys on my floor and being able to help each other. We have so much fun. It’s really positive.”
Future plans: Phai plans to become a nurse in the United States and someday work in Thailand.
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