GriffinShare @ Fontbonne University

The balcony of the St. Louis apartment Rifet and Jasminka Buljubašić first lived in.https://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/buljubasic-photos/1014/thumbnail.jp

Buljubašić Photos: 015

Jasminka and Rifet at a newyear\u27s partyhttps://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/buljubasic-photos/1023/thumbnail.jp

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Fontbonne University Archives

AAUP Agendas: January 27, 2023

Dr. Beth Newton smiles in a classroom.https://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/uasc-photos/8040/thumbnail.jp

University Archives Photos: 7041

Fontbonne Community Connection

JOIN US TO SHAPE THE FUTURE 
FCC Annual Planning Meeting  
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - 10 am CDT 
East Building, Room 254, or via Zoom 
 
Our upcoming Annual Planning Meeting offers an exciting opportunity for each FCC member to 
contribute her unique perspective and suggestions for FCC’s future growth. Click HERE to check out 
responses from our recent survey — with 50% of members participating — which will help us come 
up with innovative ideas for transforming FCC into its most vibrant future. Then join us on August 9 at 
10:00 CDT for a hybrid meeting. Register HERE to attend in person or via Zoom. Each of us has a 
responsibility to participate and share. In a brainstorming session, when an idea is voiced, it becomes 
a pebble dropped in the water. The ripples spread and grow, as we connect ideas and dream of ways 
to build a future for the FCC.  
These ideas stood out as important to 
members surveyed and will be further 
developed at the Planning Meeting: 
• Increase membership to provide more       
funds for awards. 
• Explore ways to attract younger members 
who graduated in the last 40 years, possibly 
a junior membership with reduced dues.   
• Return to in person social events, when 
possible.   
• Showcase awards and demonstrate how 
they have benefitted Fontbonne University.  
• Continue to focus on our vitally important 
Roundtable discussions to prioritize awards. 
• Discover ways to grow/adapt/change for the 
best possible future. 
 
We’re counting on YOU!  Plan to attend the Annual Meeting 
and participate in the future of the FCC. 
 
FCC NEWSLETTER | Summer 2023--Edition #54 
Beyond Our $1M Milestone  
FONTBONNE COMMUNITY CONNECTION 
Celebrating Our 15th Year of Supporting Academic Hopes and Dreams 
 
 
FCC’s Summer Event: Fontbonne Then and Now 
Fontbonne Provost Adam Weyhaupt and FCC member Mary Lee Walter ’68 hosted an FCC 
Zoom event on July 14, 2023, comparing Fontbonne in the 1960s to Fontbonne now. There were 
many differences — in majors offered, in composition of faculty, in student body and in student 
needs. What clearly has not changed is the underlying charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 
though not a single CSJ is presently teaching at Fontbonne. Many current faculty are CSJ        
Associates, having received special formation and training to carry on the CSJ mission of Service 
to the Dear Neighbor. Sr. Linda Markway is also on campus as part of the Advancement Team, 
and she enthusiastically interacts with students/faculty/staff alike. 
Page 2 
Some 42 undergraduate degrees 
and 19 graduate degrees are offered 
— and now the EdD and MFA      
terminal degrees. (Terminal degrees 
are the highest level of a degree 
possible.) A wide variety of programs 
are available, and Fontbonne has 
given considerable thought to all 
changes made. As the world    
changes, so must education, yet 
Fontbonne has been careful to  
transform within long-valued        
principles. A strong liberal arts focus 
still characterizes the campus.  
Adam pointed out that “liberal” means “freeing” and noted that, even though fields change, a 
strong base in communication, writing and critical thinking enables successful negotiation of 
those changes. 
Today’s students are less likely to identify as Catholic or with any other faith. Many work full     
or part-time AND struggle to attend classes. Some have increased mental health issues,        
especially following the pandemic. A world of Internet information is at their fingertips, yet they 
must develop their own inner resources, talents and interests to be successful. Fontbonne has 
always been excellent in providing extra encouragement and assistance for all such challenges. 
One big change is that many students are scholar-athletes. They would like to continue                  
participating in their sport beyond high school, while also seeking a college program focused   
on academics. Fontbonne is uniquely able to provide that opportunity. Last year’s addition of  
the sprint football team led to an amazing 81% of the freshman class being athletes. 
FCC members participating in the Zoom session were greatly encouraged and satisfied that 
Fontbonne remains in good hands. Memories of fond times at Fontbonne animated their       
conversation, as they expressed love and gratitude for all the CSJs have done over the years, 
while learning more about specific degrees/programs offered and current happenings at 
Fontbonne. Click HERE for a recording of the session. 
Page 3 
 
 
 
Strong FCC Presence at Fontbonne Centennial Gala 
Bubbling excitement filled the air as 
Fontbonne University celebrated its 
Centennial Year with an elegant affair 
at the Clayton Ritz Carlton, on May 13, 
2023.  FCC members attending were 
easily identified by their purple     
plumeria corsages. Festively dressed 
students had escorted them from the 
registration table to receive the        
corsages from the FCC Chair and     
Vice-Chair. Our members greeted the 
guests and each other with much     
enthusiasm and found opportunities to 
share their appreciation for Fontbonne 
and FCC. There was also a table with 
photos and information about FCC in 
the reception area. During the event, the 44 members present were acknowledged and asked to stand   
in recognition of all that FCC does for Fontbonne — very impressive that well over half the FCC was in     
attendance at this Gala Celebration!  
 
Of course, we were delighted that the most enthusiastic applause, 
hoots and hollers of the evening were given when the CSJs were 
acknowledged — a number of whom are FCC members. The       
vivacious sisters who encouraged bidding for the Capital Campaign 
– FCC members Sr. Linda Markway and Sr. Mary Ann Nestel (our     
newest CSJ/FCC) – helped raise $620,000, adding to the          
Campaign’s  already pledged $18 million!  FCC appreciates and 
congratulates each member attending the Centennial Gala - for your 
strong presence and support, which makes such a big difference to 
Fontbonne!!!  
 
 
FCC Also Well Represented on 
the Centennial Trip to France 
 
As an FCC tribute to Nina Bryans, 
this paver was recently installed 
in the memorial pathway to the 
East Building. One of our FCC 
Founding Five, Nina passed away 
peacefully on July 29, 2022. 
Page 4 
 
 
Vibrant CSJ Mary Ann Nestel Is Now Also FCC!!! 
Those of you who attended the recent Centennial Gala are already     
acquainted with our newest FCC member, Sr. Mary Ann Nestel. She was 
the CSJ who jumped up and interrupted the auctioneer in the paddle 
raise. She and Sr. Linda Markway led the audience in calisthenics to get 
their arms limbered up and thus make raising their paddles easier. This 
will give you some sense of Mary Ann’s personality – she is a lot of fun!  
Sr. Mary Ann entered the Sisters of St. Joesph of Carondelet in1958. 
She received her BA from Fontbonne in 1963 and her MS from UMKC  
in 1973. She began her professional life teaching second grade in the    
inner city but, over time, she realized that more funding was necessary 
to support education of the disadvantaged. Sr. Mary Ann began writing 
successful grant applications, which led her to reinvent herself as a 
fundraiser extraordinaire! She learned much about fundraising from    
her positions in the Arthritis Foundation and the American Red Cross.  
As she continued to direct her efforts to funding education and housing of the less fortunate, she held       
significant leadership positions in each of these organizations.  
Today, Sr. Mary Ann is bringing her unique talents to Fontbonne, serving as a Trustee and member of the 
Board Committee on Advancement. She also serves on the Boards of St. Louis City Senior Citizens, 
Books for Newborns, St. Joseph Housing Initiative and is Chair of the Healthworks Fundraising         
Committee. Sr. Mary Ann, we are delighted to welcome you to FCC. 
 
New Member Joanne Poelker Loftus Eager to “Give Back” 
Joanne is a native St. Louisan who graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and then went on to receive  
her business degree from Fontbonne in 1972. In high school, Joanne was an athlete on several St. Joe 
teams. However, at Fontbonne, the extent of her involvement in athletics was the traditional flag football 
game. Joanne and her husband Mike are the parents of Michael and 
the late Ryan Loftus. Since leaving Fontbonne, she has been in the 
technology field for 44 years, working with a variety of companies.     
Joanne is an avid bridge player, but she also loves spending time     
outdoors. 
A dedicated Fontbonne alum, Joanne has participated in a variety of 
activities since graduating. She’s decided that now is an ideal time to 
“give back” through FCC. Joanne expressed her dedication very nicely 
when she said, “I am really looking forward to giving back to Fontbonne, 
hoping to help current students realize what Fontbonne meant to me — 
and fostering a commitment by them, to help Fontbonne thrive.” We 
warmly welcome you, Joanne, as together we celebrate and support 
Fontbonne’s growth and continuing development. 
 
Page 5 
Welcome to the 2023 – 2024 
FCC Membership Year! 
 
As 2023-24 FCC Chair, I am 
honored to follow immediate    
Past-Chair, JoAnn Donovan, who 
dedicated so many hours to keep 
FCC thriving through COVID-19 
and moving forward as the 
pandemic receded. My deepest thanks, JoAnn, for your 
mentorship and patience, in leading FCC these last 
three years! Thanks also to previous Past Chair Joan 
Kelly, a fount of wisdom for FCC history, who has 
contributed greatly on our path to so much success.  
And to Barb Stroer, who has served so well as recording 
secretary, our sincere appreciation for keeping an 
accurate record of our meetings. 
I‘m grateful for the Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) 
members who will serve in this new membership year. 
(See officer/chair list to the right.)  A special welcome to 
two new officers – Vice-Chair Alice Bell and Recording 
Secretary Ann Spall. These talented leaders will help 
FCC continue to thrive and grow. We also welcome two 
new members – Joanne Poelker Loftus ’72 and Sr. Mary 
Ann Nestel, CSJ (See profiles on page 4.) 
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy go to the family of 
long-time FCC member Joan McKinley Newman ’66, 
who passed away in June. And Nina Kassing Bryans 
’57, one of FCC’s Founding Five, is now honored with a 
memorial paver recently installed on the East Building 
pathway. 
I look forward to a great year with all of you and hope 
our paths cross in person this year!  
Connie 
Connie Diekman, FCC Chair  
 
 
 
 
 
Message from the Chair Coming Events (Central Time) 
FCC Officers & Chairs 2023-24 
OFFICERS 
FCC Chair: Connie Diekman 
Immediate Past-Chair: JoAnn Donovan 
Vice-Chair: Alice Bell 
Corresponding Secretary: Ruth Ann Kerr 
Recording Secretary: Ann Spall 
Treasurer: Kathy Tanner 
 
COMMITTEE CHAIRS 
Archives & History: Nancy English 
Awards: Susan Lenihan & Mary Lee Walter 
Bylaws: Barb Atteln 
Communications: Joan Falk 
Events: Joan Kelly & Barb Stroer 
Membership: Lucy Hahn 
 
August, 2023 
8/9 - All Member Planning Meeting, 10:00 am CT 
(Zoom or East Bldg. 254) 
September, 2023  
9/13 -  FCC EAC Meeting 8:45  - 10:00 am CT (Zoom) 
October, 2023 
10/6 - Awardee & All Member Celebration 11:00 am 
CT (Zoom or On-Campus) 
10/7 - Homecoming 
10/11– EAC Meeting, 8:45  - 10:00 am CT (Zoom) 
Summer 2023 Newsletter Staff 
Joan Falk, Editor 
Barb Atteln 
Connie Diekman 
Karen Gedera 
Lucy Hahn 
Joan Kelly 
Mary Lee Walters 
Wendi Valenti, FCC Liaison  
Maria Dietrich, Advancement Intern  


English

FCC Newsletter: Summer 2023

FGA Minutes: October 18, 2023

Photograph of a collage created from wallet sized photos.  This photo has been retouched to reduce glare and water damage and to make some names more readable by Dan Stumpf.
Several of the collection of oversized collages were damaged in a flood in 2011. Some individual photos were separated and lost from this collage.https://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/uasc-photos-class-composite/1055/thumbnail.jp

UASC Photos: Class of 1984

Members of Omicron Delta Kappa in Doerr Chapel at the ODK Fall Induction Ceremony on September 23, 2023.https://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/uasc-photos/8229/thumbnail.jp

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