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mount Mount Saint Mary’s University | Los Angeles magazine Spring 2021
from the president
mount
It has been a busy and productive spring, as you will Mount Saint Mary’s University | Los Angeles
see in the pages ahead.
We celebrated Black History Month in February, and our
students, faculty from various departments, and the Center magazine
for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hosted lectures, film Spring 2021
screenings and seminars on a variety of topics focused on Vol. 37, No. 2
racial justice and anti-Black racism. March was Women’s EDITOR IN CHIEF
History Month, which coincided with the 10 th anniversary of Kimberly Kenny ‘17 MA
the Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California.TM MANAGING EDITOR
Jennifer M. Sakurai
The Mount is full of women accomplishing amazing things
CONTRIBUTORS
in the classroom and in their careers. Maria Alonzo
Mellanie Padilla Canas ‘22
In this issue alone, there is a profile on Jennifer Vanderpool, PhD, a professor Abigail Christie ‘22
in our art department who was awarded a prestigious Fulbright scholarship Eva Diaz
to work with the University of Liverpool in the UK. And alum Patricia Cribbs ’85, Phillip Jordan
Kassandra Kania
who received this year’s Unstoppable Supporter award, turned her cherished Glenn Marzano
time at the Mount into a fulfilling nursing career. She not only wants to see Vicky McCargar
MSMU Archives
others succeed but directly supports others’ dreams with scholarships and
Sarah Scopio
participation in many Mount events where she can encourage current students.
PRINTING
Our students continue to #StayMountStrong as they near the end of this The Pace Group
academic year. We are excited to welcome back students, faculty and staff © Copyright 2021. Mount Magazine
is published by Mount Saint Mary’s
to our campuses next fall for as much in-person learning and living that University, division of Institutional
is permitted by the state and county health and safety guidelines. We miss Advancement.
seeing our students, and I know that the faculty and staff join me in POSTMASTER:
anticipating their return. Send address changes to
Mount Magazine
As we head toward our centennial in 2025, we are embarking on an ambitious 10 Chester Place
Los Angeles, CA 90007
oral history project to capture stories of the Mount throughout its history.
To contact the editor or submit a story
This project’s success will depend on your participation, so please consider idea, email communications@msmu.edu
sharing a story or two about your time as a student. or call 213.477.2504.
I am pleased to be a part of the Mount’s story and give thanks every day Class Notes news should be mailed to
Alumnae Relations at 10 Chester Place,
for this vibrant community. Thank you for making the Mount’s past, present Los Angeles, CA 90007 or emailed to
and future something we can all treasure. alums@msmu.edu. Photo submissions
should be 300 dpi.
MSMU.EDU/MAGAZINE
Sincerely,
McElaney-Johnson
Ann McElane Johnson
ABOUT US
Alumnae Relations: 213.477.2767
Mount Saint Mary’s is the only women’s university in Los Angeles and one of the most diverse Business Office: 310.954.4040
in the nation. The University is known nationally for its research on gender equity, its innovative Chalon Campus: 310.954.4000
health and science programs, and its commitment to community service. As a leading liberal Doheny Campus: 213.477.2500
arts institution, Mount Saint Mary’s provides year-round, flexible and online programs at Financial Aid: 310.954.4190
the undergraduate and graduate level. Weekend, evening and graduate programs are offered Graduate Admission: 213.477.2800
to both women and men. Mount alums are engaged, active, global citizens who use their Institutional Advancement: 213.477.2764
knowledge and skills to better themselves, their communities and the world. MSMU.EDU Undergraduate Admission: 310.954.4250
Weekend/Evening College: 213.477.2866
Mount Saint Mary’s University is a diverse community committed to providing an environment
that is free from discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal, state or
local law, ordinance or regulation.
14
Happy
12
Anniversary
Filled with IT’S BEEN 10 YEARS
10 SINCE THE FIRST REPORT 24
Gratitude ON THE STATUS
STUDENTS CELEBRATE OF WOMEN AND GIRLS
Fulbright Scholar MACKENZIE SCOTT’S TM
Profile of
IN CALIFORNIA
JENNIFER VANDERPOOL’S GENEROUS $15 MILLION Philanthropy
EXAMINATION OF POST- GIFT TO THE UNIVERSITY PATRICIA CRIBBS ’85
INDUSTRIALIZED CITIES TAKES RECEIVES UNSTOPPABLE
HER TO LIVERPOOL SUPPORTER AWARD
2 Updates
9 Accolades
20 #StayMountStrong
23 Engage
25 Alum Community
32 Looking Back
Cover
STUDENT SIDNEY ROSE ORTEGA ‘23 DPT DEMONSTRATES
THE PREVAILING SENTIMENT THAT DESPITE THIS PAST
YEAR’S CIRCUMSTANCES, OUR COMMUNITY HAS MUCH
TO BE THANKFUL FOR.
updates
Mount Nurses,
Students on Front
Lines of COVID
Vaccinations
In the quest to get their healthcare
colleagues vaccinated against COVID-19,
Mount student nurses and nursing graduates
have provided shots to hospital workers
at various locations around Los Angeles.
During their winter break, a group
of senior nursing students participated
in Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s
#AShotAtHope campaign. TMMC ’s
physicians and RNs had started vaccinating
their colleagues, but the help from
Mount students enabled them to return
to patient care.
Maria (Odicta) Huskins ’97 ADN has
worked at TMMC ’s cardiothoracic unit for
more than 20 years and is a clinical instructor
at the Mount. She helped coordinate
the effort between TMMC and the Mount
and says, “We were the only school present
at the clinic. Makes me proud to see
Mount students administering the first
COVID vaccines.”
Standing (left to right): Mount students worked seven different
Mount instructor and a clinic days between December 29 and
Memorial Medical Center January 14, with several students participating
RN Maria Huskins ‘97, as many as four times. The nine-hour shifts
Clarissa Graves, Cayleigh
Milam, Carmen Cortes,
started at 5:45 am and saw between 600
Angela Bacon, Racine and 650 vaccines administered each day.
Acuña, Lea Park and “Mount nurses are absolutely improving
Desiree Aldapa. Seated the health of the Los Angeles community
(left to right): Sunshine and reflecting the charism of the sisters of
Settles, Tamara Mendoza
and Breanne Morales.
St. Joseph of Carondelet,” says Marie Seitz
The students are all from ’98 BSN, director of the TBSN program.
the class of ‘21. Their efforts are not going unnoticed.
Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles mayor, tweeted
a photo of Jamie (Wells) Robledo ‘08 BSN,
a supervising clinic nurse for the COVID-19
vaccine clinic at Los Angeles County+USC
Medical Center. In her retweet, she wrote,
“Thank goodness for my GREAT nursing
education from @msmu_la!!!”
MSMU nursing student Tamara Mendoza ’21 administers the “With COVID, everything’s ever changing,”
COVID vaccine to Mount instructor and Torrance Memorial
Medical Center RN Maria Huskins ‘97.
2 Mount Magazine msmu.edu
Robledo later said. “It can be hard, but we
adapt, move on and try to help everyone
as much as possible. There’s a lot of
excitement about the vaccine. I got mine,
so I’m ready to go.”
Leah Fitzgerald, PhD, FNP-BC and dean
of nursing, is understandably proud of
Mount student nurses past and present.
“MSMU nursing students and faculty are
working alongside our academic partners,
learning firsthand the logistical challenges
and coordination of the vaccine distribution
network,” she says, adding that the
department is working with other clinical
partners to provide similar services
throughout the community.
DHH’s graduate program allows students to begin early fieldwork through intensive
mentoring. Sydney Pipkin ‘18 MA, above, was a student in the program.
Grant Roundup Through the years, the Bill Hannon
Since last fall, the Mount has been the Foundation has provided a cumulative
recipient of several grants to support amount of $10.75 million in capital funding
scholarships and direct aid as well as and renovation support to the Mount,
specific programs. including lead funding for MSMU ’s future
The U.S. Department of Education’s Wellness Pavilion and Hannon Hall student
office of special education programs residence at the Doheny Campus.
awarded a five-year, $1.25 million The foundation also provides funds
federal grant in support of the Mount’s annually for scholarships; this academic
Education Specialist Program in Deaf year, it doubled its giving with an additional
and Hard of Hearing (DHH), a master’s $150,000 emergency COVID -relief fund.
program conducted in partnership with Finally, the education department has
the renowned John Tracy Center. The received a grant for $375,000 as part of a
funding will provide tuition support and three-year program with Branch Alliance
curriculum enhancement for 55 graduate for Educator Diversity to ensure that future
scholars — preparing them to effect educators are well versed in best practices
positive outcomes for young children for educating the diverse population found
with hearing loss and their families. in many K-12 classrooms.
California faces a shortage of qualified Studies show that young students of color
educators and audiologists who can benefit from being taught by educators
provide vital early intervention. Also, who represent our society’s diversity. The
60% of children with hearing loss Mount is part of BranchEd’s second cohort
statewide come from Latinx households. of higher education institution grant
Mount Saint Mary’s is well positioned recipients that the organization is assisting
to prepare graduates who can offer not only financially but also with technical
culturally competent care. assistance, training and support services.
Spring 2021 Mount Magazine 3
Women’s Studies Major Debuts in Fall Campaign Encourages
Mount Community
to Stay Engaged
Mount Saint Mary’s kicked off the spring
term with a new campaign, led by our
Athenians Care committee, to keep the
Mount community engaged and connected
throughout the semester as we continue
to be safer at home. Under the hashtag
#StayMountStrong, the campaign shares
inspiring messages from Mount students,
faculty and staff, as well as helpful tutorials
with academic tips and announcements
from the University.
“2020 was a challenging year on many
This fall, Mount Saint Mary’s University will department chair, as well as academic fronts, but as a Mount community we
begin offering an interdisciplinary Women director of the Center for Global Initiatives. came together to care for each other,” says
and Gender Studies major that focuses The Mount has had a women’s studies Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD, president
on leadership, policy and undergraduate minor for decades, but Roberts says that of Mount Saint Mary’s. “With science on
research in partnership with various centers students have requested a major, and now our side, we look forward to the time when
of research and support. is the right time to add it. “We have to we will all be together in person. Let’s
Two political science faculty members recognize the social and political changes remember we are an incredible community
spearheading the development of the that we’ve seen the last couple of years that always works best together, and we
major are Emerald Archer, PhD, associate stemming from the #MeToo movement” will continue to care for each other.”
professor and director of the Center for the she says. “We definitely need to expand The campus-wide initiative will also
Advancement of Women, and Lia Roberts, our offerings to be relevant to this include a celebration for the entire Mount
PhD, the history and political science generation of students.” community toward the end of the term
Although numerous other universities with fun challenges and prizes for students
have women’s studies majors, MSMU is throughout the spring semester.
primarily a women’s institution — and it Helen Umana, Student Government
has the Center for the Advancement of Association president, was one of the
Women behind it. “We apply a gender numerous students who shared words of
lens to virtually everything that we do at encouragement with the community:
the Mount,” says Archer. “Other programs “During this time, it is crucial for us to be
lack the connection to centers that are there for one another,” she says. “Remember,
really engaged and can link students to Athenians, to Stay Mount Strong.”
projects within their communities.”
From left: Associate professor Emerald Archer, “This is a really great program if you
PhD, and the history and political science want to engage in a more intensive way.
department chair Lia Roberts, PhD.
If a student comes really excited and
motivated to learn and tap into all of this
infrastructure, then their experience will
be that much richer.”
4 Mount Magazine msmu.edu
Spring 2021 Mount Magazine 5
ADthenians Change the Face of
Advertising With Only All-Female Team
11%
of the nation’s creative
directors are women.
The ADthenians hope to
increase that statistic
(From left, top row) Salma This year’s ADthenians, the team that
Alejo ‘23, Yamilett Alvarez ‘24, upon graduation.
competes in the National Student
Sara Cortes ‘21, Alexandra
Advertising Competition (NSAC) in which
Hernandez ‘21 and Jocelyn
Moguel ‘22. (From left, bottom teams create an advertising campaign
row) Emily Salazar ‘22, Mellanie for a company, are looking forward to the DeBellis’ team dealt with the Getty fire
Padilla Canas Valdez ‘23, District 15 championships this spring. and had their work toward this competition
Shannon Walsh ‘22 and Summer In their district, they compete against the interrupted by the pandemic. This year’s
Woods ‘21. Not pictured:
likes of UCLA, USC and UC San Diego. team has never been able to work together.
Abigail Christie ‘21 and Daniela
Navarro ‘21. Such large schools’ teams are likely This year’s ADthenians are scattered across
comprised of all business majors. Some the globe, relegated to communicating
may even be getting a concentration in with each other via Zoom meetings twice
advertising. Because the student body at a week. Despite the challenges, they have
Mount Saint Mary’s is considerably smaller refused to give up. This past year has
at under 3,000, the ADthenians are an taught the world that the future is uncertain,
exciting mix of visionaries and hard workers but one thing that is steadfast is the
from all different types of backgrounds dedication the ADthenians have to their
and majors. And they know how to hold future success.
their own. Only 11% of the nation’s creative
But they do have big shoes to fill. In directors are women. The ADthenians hope
2020, the ADthenians placed third in the to increase that statistic upon graduation.
district competition. Last year’s creative They embrace the responsibility as an
director, Josie DeBellis, said, “We never let all-female team to perform well and be
anything stop us. I knew we were winners an exception to the lack of diversity in
because I have never seen so much resilience the industry. They are excited to not only
manifest among such a small group of complete the task at hand but also show
dedicated women.” the power of united women.
6 Mount Magazine msmu.edu
Virtual Unstoppable Scholarship Celebration President’s
Social distancing did not put a damper “With my donations to the Mount and Invitation to Serve
on the President’s Scholarship Virtual with the nursing scholarship, my hope is Nearly 70 students, alums, faculty and staff
Celebration held February 26 via Zoom. to help students achieve their goals of answered Mount Saint Mary’s president’s
Despite missing the annual luncheon and college graduation and continued success call on a Saturday morning in January to
opportunity to mingle, the mood was as Mount grads,” says Cribbs. participate in the first virtual Invitation to
festive as attendees honored this year’s Cribbs continues to dedicate her time Serve, in which participants spent several
scholarship award recipients and donors. and talent to the University, having served hours serving others or discussing ways to
Alexis Sio ’21 was named the year’s as a college fair representative, a speaker effect changes within one’s community.
Unstoppable Scholar for her unwavering at admitted students’ day, and a mentor Participants could attend a workshop
resolve to go beyond mere academic for undergraduate students, among other on writing letters to congressional
excellence. She is active in a number of roles. representatives; a civic engagement session
student organizations and shares her This year’s celebration was hosted by on how to be actively engaged in government
passion for nursing by mentoring younger Helen Umana, student body president — even when there’s no election looming;
nursing students. A co-president of the the second year that the student body a letter writing campaign to sisters at the
California Nursing Students’ Association, president has served as emcee. Carondelet Center as well as seniors at
Sio plans to become a registered nurse “It’s important to show our appreciation various assisted living programs or hospice;
specializing in pediatrics. She is the recipient to the donors who are investing in our and a spring cleaning session encouraging
of the Patricia A. Cribbs Expendable education as well as to celebrate the donations of unwanted, gently used items
Nursing Scholarship, which assists nursing unstoppable students,” says Umana. to various nonprofits.
students in the last years of their program. “Personally, I came to the Mount because The remote aspect of the event did little
Coincidentally, Patricia Cribbs ’85 was of the generous scholarship I am receiving. to dampen people’s enthusiasm. Danielle
honored with the Unstoppable Supporter Without it, I probably would not be here.” Rose Steele ‘08, former Alumnae Board
Award for helping students achieve member and regional ambassador for Arizona,
academic success through the Mount’s did both spring cleaning and letter writing.
scholarship program. “Once I decided what stationary to use —
some cards made of a photo I took at
Alexis Sio ’21, a Havasu Falls near the Grand Canyon — it
nursing student,
was pretty easy to share my experience
received the
Unstoppable hiking,” says Steele. “I hope it gives the
Scholar Award sisters a brief window into another world for
at the annual a bit. The day gave me a few moments to
celebration in connect with others, for which I’m grateful!”
February.
Gianne Gonzalez ’22 attended this event
for the first time. “I could see how everyone
was interested in wanting to help others,”
she says. “The President’s Invitation to Serve
also radiated the Mount’s mission statement
of gaining knowledge to better ourselves,
the environment and the world.”
Spring 2021 Mount Magazine 7
New Online University
Events Calendar
Mount Saint Mary’s University’s new
events calendar on the MSMU website
is a great way to learn, engage and
stay connected to the Mount. Many
activities are open not only to current
students, faculty and staff but also to
alums and friends of the University.
Viewers can see all calendar entries or
filter events by the following categories:
alumnae; career services; conference/
workshops; spiritual life/community
engagement; sports and wellness;
student life; and featured events. It’s
also possible to have event updates,
information and reminders sent to you
via email or text and to forward event
information to others.
A unique source of help: (from left) Sisters Mary McKay, CSJ, Mary Sevilla, CSJ, and
Read All About It!
Callista Roy, CSJ, ‘63 do their best to encourage the Mount community to register and vote. For more in-depth coverage of many of
the stories here in Updates, as well as
The Votes Are In coverage throughout the year, check
Mount Saint Mary’s University was the winner in the Association of Independent out msmu.edu/newsroom. If you don’t
California Colleges and Universities’ division for the campus with the most creative see what you’re looking for on the
approach to registering students in the 2020 Ballot Bowl. main page, click on “All News” or put
To select the winner of the most creative category, the Secretary of State’s office the topic or person’s name in the
reviewed the participants’ submitted voter outreach plans. search function. You don’t want to miss
The Mount’s “Why I Vote” initiative received a lot of attention from students, reading about:
staff and faculty alike. This year, MSMU Votes shirts were delivered to students, staff, Unity Through
faculty, trustees and friends of the Mount, and the MSMU Votes Zoom backgrounds New Black Student Union
were extremely popular.
Work that Sister Helen
“We are incredibly proud of our efforts for the
THE MOUNT’S CIVIC Prejean, CSJ, did with a
ENGAGEMENT PLAN election,” says Chinako Belanger, interim director for
group of Mount students
women’s leadership and student engagement. She
• Virtual voter registration
noted that the University received a small grant from Business professor
• Information on how
the California Secretary of State’s office to assist with Eddie Loussarian’s book,
to become a poll worker
outreach efforts. “64 Life Hacks for Success”
• California ballot
measure overviews The Ballot Bowl, an initiative of the California Johnny Payne, director
Students Vote Project, had an overwhelming response of the MFA in creative writing
• Documentary screenings
with 95 campuses taking part in 2020 compared to
• MSMU Votes speaker series The Mount’s Counseling
46 campuses during the inaugural competition in 2018.
• Programs on staying The inaugural event led to nearly 11,000 student voter and Psychological Services
engaged post-election department
registrations. Fast forward to 2020’s campaign, in
which that tally reached 82,634, a nearly 87% increase. Profiles on numerous
Mount students and alums
8 Mount Magazine msmu.eduaccolades
FACULTY Derrick Spiva Jr., MFA, STUDENTS
Mount instrumental
PHOTO: HANNAH ARISTA
Language and culture professor Nancy A short story, “Programmed,”
ensembles director, was
Ballesteros, PhD, published an OER by MFA creative writing
featured in the Washington
(open educational resources) manual of student Tricia Lopez ‘22
Post article “21 for ‘21:
intermediate Spanish. OER materials are MFA was published
Composers and Performers
openly licensed text and digital assets for in The Acentos Review in
Who Sound Like Tomorrow.”
teaching, learning, and research. December.
Additionally, his new work, “The Mother
Sandra Gamson, PhD, of All Bravery,” was part of a Los Angeles
adjunct professor, Chamber Orchestra event in January. Biochemistry major Alicia
language and culture, Mercado ‘22 has been
The Mount’s curriculum committee approved accepted into Caltech’s
presented a paper,
a new course, “Global Culture for Business” summer research program
“Algerian History Silenced
(BUS 147), to be offered online starting that aims to foster
and Recovered by Fire
this fall. Designed by Christian B. Teeter, future diversity in science
in Assia Djebar’s ‘L’Amour,
EdD, associate professor of business and engineering PhD
la fantasia,’” at the Centre for Comparative
administration, the course aligns with the programs. Alicia will be working in Dr. Ellen
Literature’s 30 th conference at the University
Liberal Arts Core Education curriculum’s Rothenberg’s immunology lab that studies
of Toronto in November.
global awareness and understanding and the molecular mechanism for how stem
Michelle French-Holloway, EdD, professor integrative scholarship criteria. cells differentiate into T lymphocytes. The
and chair, business administration, presented 10-week program requires WAVE Fellows
Kim Terrill, MA, GCDF, director of career
a paper, “Experiences of Clergy Managing to submit two interim reports, a research
and professional development, presented
Church Finances with Varying Degrees abstract and final paper in addition to giving
at the International Leadership Association’s
of Financial Literacy Training,” for a virtual an oral or poster presentation. Participants
virtual conference last fall as part of a panel
session of the 2020 annual meeting of also receive a stipend and supplement for
titled, “Women of Color Pushing the Edges
the Academy of Management. The paper’s campus housing.
of Predominately White Institutions: Lessons
abstract was also published in the conference
from Research and Life Experiences.” Samantha Vasquez ‘21 was awarded a
proceedings.
Education professor fully funded PhD-preparation research
Professor emerita of assistantship at Emory University last
Shelly Tochluk, PhD, is
education, Nancy Pine, summer, which continued into the academic
a co-author of a Western
PhD, has completed year. Vasquez also won a best poster award
States Center six-part
her second book, “One in sustainability at the Southern California
series of online posts
in a Billion: One Man’s Conference for Undergraduate Research
titled, “My Child Is Sharing
Remarkable Odyssey based on original research she did at Mount
Conspiracy Theories
through Modern-Day Saint Mary’s in the GWSTEM program.
and Racist Memes. What Do I Say?”
China.” Published in December by Rowman
Western States Center works nationwide Pianist and composer
& Littlefield, the book is the tale of one
to strengthen inclusive democracy. Emily Webster-Zuber ‘24
man’s success despite the authoritarian
environment in China. Learn more about premiered her composition,
ALUM “The Sun Shines Fair”
it at nancypine.info.
Dannielle Carr ’19 for string trio, during a
An article by associate professor Lester MFA had a poem, “An Luna Lab Meets LACO
Reams, JD, DPA, “Impact of the Business Afternoon,” published in (Los Angeles Chamber
Mindset on Student Perception on the The Curator magazine. Orchestra) event in February. Founded
Non-Compete Agreement,” was published Carr is a poet and writer in 2016, the organization addresses the
in the March issue of The Bulletin of Tara who explores the daily life gender imbalance in classical music by
Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. of death, grief and faith. providing aspiring female-identifying
Her work has also appeared in ArtAscent musicians a year of mentoring, performance
and FULLER Magazine. opportunities and recordings of young
composers’ works.
Spring 2021 Mount Magazine 9spotlight
Prestigious Fulbright Scholarship
Awarded to Faculty Artist
“Untold Stories” centered on Jennifer The route to Jennifer Vanderpool’s Fulbright scholarship traveled
through her hometown within Mahoning Valley, a rural area between
Vanderpool’s hometown and has crossed
Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio. Vanderpool, who holds an
the pond to Liverpool independent, interdisciplinary PhD in trauma studies from the
University of California, Santa Barbara, has been an instructor at
Mount Saint Mary’s since 2017.
Vanderpool creates community-specific, site-responsive
exhibitions that she researches the way an art historian
goes into a museum or an archive and reads about the
type of work that they’re going to cover in an article.
When she finished her PhD, Vanderpool was
offered an exhibition at the Butler Art Institute of
American Art, a large museum in Youngstown,
Ohio, that was started by the family that founded
U.S. Steel. “I took this opportunity to start
doing research on this city which was very close
to where I grew up yet really knew nothing
about,” she says.
She discovered that Youngstown’s Mullins
Manufacturing made steel kitchens that were the
epitome of modern architectural design during
the decades following WWII. Vanderpool worked
with elements from the Mahoning County Historical
Society to include parts of a kitchen in the exhibition, as
well as historic films, TV commercials and print advertisements.
“I made my own works sort of tongue in cheek in response to
this historic material,” she says.
The exhibit created a response that Vanderpool wasn’t expecting.
“At the opening, families came that had a grandparent who had worked
for Mullins Manufacturing or U.S. Steel, and they came with their
children and grandchildren to tell their stories about working there.”
“I took this opportunity to start
doing research on this city which was very
close to where I grew up yet really
knew nothing about.”
10 Mount Magazine msmu.eduThus her project Untold Stories was
born, which are case-study exhibitions of
disinvested communities. Vanderpool uses
her own photographs, historic photojournalist
imagery and ephemera advertisements
that she finds in archives as well as textile
designs from relevant time periods to create
prints. She also created documentary films,
storytelling to be seen in the exhibition.
“My idea was that the people and workers
in communities like Youngstown should
tell their own stories about how they’re
rebuilding or reimagining their cities in the
postindustrial era.”
In the fall of 2019, Vanderpool applied to the
Fulbright Commission to do a transnational
narrative with the deindustrialized cities in
the industrial north of England. “The thing
about applying for a Fulbright is that it’s
not like getting a grant from the Ohio Arts
Council which funded the development of
the Untold Stories exhibition,” she says. “You
have to have a project that is related to the
community where you’re going to be doing
the research, and you have to have
an affiliation with an institution in the country.
Your research has to have a very specific
narrative; it’s not just going to study abroad.
What they’re asking is have you done enough
work so that you can take advantage of this
great opportunity.”
Vanderpool is working with the department
of art, esthetics and philosophy at the
University of Liverpool. For now, the work is
all remote because the Fulbright has been
deferred because of the pandemic, but likely
will take place sometime in 2022.
The “Untold Stories” exhibit by Jennifer Vanderpool, a US-UK Fulbright scholar fellow.
The top two images, “Akron to Youngstown,” 2020, total 36”x 84,” whereas the bottom
two panels, “Pittsburgh to Liverpool,” 2020, total 168”x 84.” They are all archival
photographic intervention digital prints.
Spring 2021 Mount Magazine 11MSMU
Receives
$15 Million
Gift
Mount Saint Mary’s University received development. This donation will allow us
a transformational $15 million gift from to grow programs to help our students
author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott succeed, especially during these difficult
last December. The unrestricted donation, times. These funds will be instrumental
the single largest gift in the University’s as we implement new and creative ways
history, will support the Mount’s efforts to to continue graduating future leaders.”
reach goals outlined in its new five-year Mount Saint Mary’s is among 384
strategic plan expected to be approved nonprofits across the country, and the only
this spring. educational institution in Los Angeles, to
“I am thrilled Mount Saint Mary’s is the receive this gift. In a public announcement,
recipient of this generous gift,” says Scott said that her team carefully selected
President Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD. organizations, from a starting group of
“Ms. Scott has been strategic with her more than 6,000, with “strong leadership
philanthropy and laser-focused on the areas teams and results (that are) addressing
that reflect the ideals and values of a diverse, long-term systemic inequalities that have
equitable and inclusive society. The Mount been deepened by the crisis,” including
has a long tradition of being on the forefront education for historically marginalized and
of women’s education and leadership underserved communities.
“The vast majority of our students come
from vulnerable communities, and their lives
are transformed at Mount Saint Mary’s.
Our faculty and staff are integral to their success.
This gift is a testament to the hard work and
determination of our entire community. It will
make an immediate difference in our students’
lives and success.”
– LINDA MCMURDOCK, PHD,
VICE PRESIDENT FOR
STUDENT AFFAIRS
Spring 2021 Mount Magazine 13Celebrating a decade
of data-driven advocacy
with The Report on the
Status of Women and Girls
in California™
A“blueprint for change” by Phillip Jordan
14 Mount Magazine msmu.edu10 years ago this spring,
Mount Saint Mary’s University released its
inaugural edition of The Report on the
By year two, in 2013, attendance at the
Mount’s public release event had swelled
to more than 850. A massive tent had to be
A Snapshot of Past
Event Participants
Status of Women and Girls in California.TM set up on the University’s Doheny Campus
A groundbreaking report at the time, it to accommodate the crowd. By 2015, the
remains the most authoritative collection annual convening moved to the Skirball
of current research on issues affecting Cultural Center, where approximately 1,000
the 20 million women and girls who call attendees gather each year.
California home. Geena Davis, Academy Award-winning
The Report has helped inform public policy actor and past chair of the California Mallika Chopra Geena Davis
decisions and nonprofit funding priorities Commission on the Status of Women and
statewide. Governments, foundations Girls, has often served as a featured speaker
and professional organizations regularly at the Report’s public release. Davis is also
commission the Mount to create custom founder of the Geena Davis Institute on
reports, while community partners amplify Gender in Media, which is a partnership
the research and provide MSMU with with financial and administrative support
data from their own fields of expertise. from the University.
Roxanne Gay Ana Guerrero
Ultimately, the Report’s success led “Over the past decade, I’ve seen up
to the founding of the Center for the close how the Report’s research motivates
Advancement of Women at Mount Saint people to advocate for more equitable
Mary’s, which has become one of the opportunities for women and girls,” Davis
most dynamic hubs in the nation for says. “It’s a heartening thing to see 1,000
intersectional gender equity research, people gathered in one place to talk about
advocacy and leadership development. how to make the world a better place for
A decade ago, though, all of these all of us.” Susan Love, MD Jennifer
outcomes remained mere hope on the Siebel Newsom
The Report’s impact isn’t limited to its
horizon. usual Women’s History Month release each
When Mount faculty wrote the inaugural year. It serves as a vital policymaking and
Report in 2012, it was a pilot project of advocacy tool year-round for gender equity
sorts, intended to support the work of the advocates in California and provides sup-
California Commission on the Status of port for similar research being conducted
Women and Girls. The Report quickly across the state and around the country. Gwyneth Paltrow Connie Rice
proved useful to the Commission’s work, and
others across the state — from nonprofit “The research and
leaders and journalists to private companies work that Mount Saint Mary’s
and members of the California Legislative
Women’s Caucus — found the Report’s data-
University is doing is really
driven insights invaluable, too. In response, critical to starting the
Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD — in her first conversations that ultimately
year as president of the Mount — pledged Maria Shriver Erika
can lead to change.” Green Swafford
that the University would publish the
— JENNIFER SIEBEL NEWSOM,
Report on an ongoing basis and convene
FIRST PARTNER OF CALIFORNIA
gender justice advocates from near and far
to discuss new findings each year.
“You have to be able to measure what you Sacramento, California
want to change,” McElaney-Johnson says. The Report remains a pivotal source of
“We saw a need for a more comprehensive information for the California Commission on Amy Elaine Sheryl WuDunn
approach to tracking gender equity in our the Status of Women and Girls, equipping Wakeland
state and region. As the only women’s its commissioners to champion policy
university in Los Angeles, we felt compelled solutions in the state legislature that make
to take on this work, to make visible what California a more equitable and inclusive
was often unseen and to lift up the inequities place for all. That’s especially true with this
impacting not only women and girls but our year’s Report, which focuses on the impact
state as a whole.” of COVID-19.
Spring 2021 Mount Magazine 15“As we grapple with a pandemic There’s now full gender parity on all city
and the associated economic boards and commissions. Record numbers
“Mount Saint Mary’s has been
turndown, this year’s Report of women have advanced to leadership
doing an extraordinary job to really confirms for us that the existing positions as general managers, deputy
develop leaders to find the path that inequalities for women and girls mayors and directors. Twice as many girls
they choose. The Report on the Status of color make it necessary to participate in the city’s sports leagues and
immediately focus our attention fitness programs. Domestic abuse services
of Women and Girls in California is
on Black women, Latinas, working for survivors are available citywide. And a
indispensable in this task.” mothers and frontline workers once-glaring gender pay gap in the mayor’s
— MAYOR ERIC GARCETTI who make up the majority of office is no more.
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
those hit hardest by COVID-19,” “The Report on the Status of Women and
says Alisha Wilkins, PhD, chair of Girls is a blueprint for change,” Wakeland
the state commission. “Women are leading says. “Using tools like this, we can ensure
the charge for change at every level, and that women always have their fair share of
we know that partnerships such as ours with seats at every table and an equal voice in all
Mount Saint Mary’s will help to inform our important conversations…This is what we
decisions for change every step of the way.” can achieve when we are intentional and we
collect data about the largest gaps in the
City of Los Angeles resources and opportunities available to
In 2015, Mount Saint Mary’s was women and girls — and when we then hold
commissioned to create a local Report on ourselves accountable for closing those gaps.”
its hometown of Los Angeles, the second-
largest city in the United States. Funded by Los Angeles County
the Los Angeles Commission on the Status In 2016, the Los Angeles County
of Women, the Report’s areas of focus were Commission for Women asked Mount Saint
developed in partnership with First Lady Amy Mary’s to conduct the first of three county-
Elaine Wakeland and the office of Los Angeles level Reports. Each one offered insights to
Mayor Eric Garcetti. The resulting research elevate the work of the county’s Initiative on
provoked immediate change. Shortly after Women and Girls — a group that’s tasked
its release, Garcetti issued an executive with applying a gender lens to how the
directive aimed at achieving gender equity county hires personnel, provides public
in all city operations. services and contracts with external vendors.
Among other things, Garcetti’s Executive “Mount Saint Mary’s Reports have really
Directive No. 11 created a Gender Equity shifted the perspective on the importance
Coalition, made up of liaisons from each city of data and the ways in which commissions
department who would work to promote like ours can advise legislators around policy,”
gender equity throughout Los Angeles. says Karriann Farrell Hinds, president of the
Five years later, MSMU’s hometown impact Los Angeles County Commission for Women.
Images from past events (left to right): is evident. “We’re not empowered to act independently
Emerald Archer, PhD (left), with Kamili so our advisory function is significant.
Wilson; Somjita Mitra; and a view of
the audience.
16 Mount Magazine msmu.eduHow has the Report affected
The the Mount? “The answer to
that question was clear,” says
Genesis of McElaney-Johnson. “It had to
Programs affect us in every way if we were
to live out our mission.” The
University founded the Center
for the Advancement of Women, reshaped the Women’s
Leadership Program for students, and created the
Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Through the years, the Center for the Advancement
of Women has expanded public programming and funded
2017 Report event (from left): Moderator: Jennifer Ferro, C. Noel Bairey more research opportunities: An annual Women’s
Merz, MD, Melissa Welch, MD, Wendy Slusser, MD, and Susan Love, MD. Leadership Conference; nonpartisan campaign training
workshops to prepare more women to run for office; and
“While I’ve been researching women and Collectif, an original research companion to the Report
that further explores some of the
the presidency for 20 years, I never once looked at
most crucial topics and trends
women’s progress through the fundamental lens related to equity and access.
of health and wealth inequities. My research is “Collectif allows us to dig deeper
likely to take a dramatic shift because of this.” on certain topics in a way we can’t
— NICHOLA D. GUTGOLD, PHD,
within the broader Report,” says
PROFESSOR, COMMUNICATION ARTS AND Emerald Archer, PhD, director of
SCIENCES, PENN STATE UNIVERSITY the Center for the Advancement
of Women. “Food insecurity, for
That’s where data provided by these example, might be a couple of
Reports become so important. They give us paragraphs in the Report. With Collectif, we can commission
quantitative data that supports the anecdotal a whole paper on that one topic.”
experiences we’re hearing in the field. MSMU’s The Center enhances student life and
Reports give us weight and credibility, learning on campus, too. Archer co-
and that’s vital for us when presenting developed the Mount’s new Women
recommendations to our county supervisors.” and Gender Studies major, launching
this fall, structured around leadership,
Points beyond policy and undergraduate research. Holly J. Mitchell
Beyond commissioned research, the Mount In recent years, the Center also established a Legislator
is often sought out for advice by communities in Residence program to bring timely policy conversations
that want to create reports on their own. to campus, along with mentoring opportunities for
MSMU researchers have served as consultants students. Former state Sen. Holly J. Mitchell — now a
for colleagues and communities near and supervisor for LA County — is the program’s first Legislator
far — from the City of West Hollywood in in Residence.
LA County to Saint Mary’s College in Notre “The Legislator in Residence program has been
Dame, Indiana. particularly successful modeling what good leadership
In 2018, to address these growing looks like for students,” says Archer. “It also puts students
requests, the Center for the Advancement in proximity to power, which is crucial for young women.”
of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University Julia Vanella ’18, a history and political science graduate
released a white paper, “Reporting on of the Mount, had the chance to speak with Mitchell
the Status of Women and Girls in Your during a class her senior year. The experience changed
Community: A Guide to Using U.S. Census the course of Vanella’s life. “Having that exposure to
Data.” Prepared by the Center’s longtime someone in public office opened my eyes to pursuing
lead researcher and professor emerita of a career in public service,” she says. Today, Vanella is
physical science, Eleanor Siebert, PhD, pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at The George
the guide offers step-by-step instructions Washington University in Washington, DC .
for mining federal census data — a core “Representation matters,” says McElaney-Johnson.
resource for the University’s annual Reports. “That’s what this Report was all about 10 years ago when
“Empowering others to uncover helpful we got started — and it remains so today.”
data is what inspired our census guide.
Because once disparities are illuminated
and understood, we can all use the data to
craft effective messages and action plans
to combat those inequities,” Siebert says.
Spring 2021 Mount Magazine 17STATS FROM 2021 Report
THIS YEAR’S REPORT
on the Status of Women
and Girls in California™
Women and the Pandemic:
Impact, Resilience
and Moving Forward
The 2021 Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California™ was unveiled
on March 31. The theme of this year’s Report event, “Women and the Pandemic:
Impact, Resilience and Moving Forward,” is the most recent comprehensive study in
Women and California that explores how women and girls are faring in the wake of COVID-19
and discusses the possible setbacks in our post-pandemic reality.
girls make up
A panel on “The Pandemic: Women on the Front Lines, in the Workforce and
50% at Home,” provided an in-depth, big-picture look at what many of us experienced
firsthand during the past year.
of the state’s “population
“There’s no doubt the pandemic will have long-lasting repercussions for women
(19.9 million)
and girls across the state,” said Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD, president of Mount
Saint Mary’s University. “In the last year, women have delayed medical care and
42% experienced increased anxiety, all while holding their families and communities
together. This report shines a light on how these challenges will impact women
of working women for years to come.”
are employed Three of five Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors — Kathryn Barger, Sheila
in essential jobs James Kuehl and Holly J. Mitchell — concluded the event with a conversation on
how women leaders are changing the course of history in Los Angeles. The three
women, along with Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis, comprise the first all-women board
Women working of supervisors for the county.
full-time, To download the Report or to view the event, go to msmu.edu/statusofwomen.
year-round earn
88 cents
for every dollar
all men earn
Women own
an estimated
1.58 million
businesses; and
women of color own
59% (From left, top row) Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Alisha Haridasani Gupta, Maria Hinojosa,
of them Mekala Krishnan and Supervisor Sheila James Kuehl. (From left, bottom row) City Council
President Nury Martinez, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Michaela Pereira, Maria J. Prados
and Jane Wurwand.
18 Mount Magazine msmu.eduSAVE THE DATE!
$132M
An Unstoppable Campaign
for Mount Saint Mary’s
Finale Celebration
Saturday, June 12, 2021
4-5 PM (PST)
Join us to celebrate our Unstoppable
Campaign, students and the Mount
community. Spend an hour with us to
learn how your gifts have impacted our
students’ and alums’ lives, as well as
future plans. Your support enabled us to
exceed our overall campaign goal by
raising $132 million ($132% of our goal).#StayMountStrong represents
different things to different
people. For some, it’s a state of
mind. For others, it’s embodied
We are wearing
by doing specific actions or from
our masks, social distancing
the comfort of a keepsake that
and completing the MSMU
helps keep them going when Health Screen each day to
things get tough. Here’s what #StayMountStrong as we
some in our community said eagerly await the day we can
helps them #StayMountStrong. all return to campus.
– TREEMONISHA SMITH, MA,
DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AND
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
AND SAFETY
I #StayMountStrong during these times
knowing that there are always brighter days
ahead, and we are a people who overcome.
Focusing on what I can control and truly
focusing in on my passions and dreams.
I am staying motivated because no matter
what goes on, the world will continue to
move, and you must not let obstacles/
challenges make you forget your end goals.
I am wishing the Mount community love,
peace, wisdom and health. Remember,
your fellow Athenians are here for you!
– SUMMER WOODS ‘21
PRESIDENT, BLACK
STUDENT UNION
20 Mount Magazine msmu.eduThis is a message I received in January:
I just wanted to let you know that I finally did it! I have
completed my degree, and I will be starting grad school in
March. I will never be able to express how much you have
impacted my life professionally and personally. There were
many times I thought that I wasn’t smart enough or strong
enough and thought about changing my major, but you
always reassured me. Your guidance will stay with me, and
I cannot thank you enough. I will miss you dearly.
When things get tough, those messages are gold.
This is what keeps me going every day.
– LUIZA NOGAJ, PHD,
CO-DIRECTOR OF GWSTEM AND
PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
I am inspired
by our University The pandemic has challenged me emotionally,
community’s commitment mentally and physically. To #StayMountStrong
to graduate students I had to learn to forgive myself and hold myself to a more
who will be leaders flexible standard. I go to therapy, I meditate, I exercise, and
focused on the good of I do things that don’t require a lot of thinking to keep me
all humanity. Our students
going strong. I encourage others to put their mental
and their tenacity
health first and be forgiving to themselves as well.
inspire me to remain
Mount Strong! – HELEN UMANA ‘21
PRESIDENT, STUDENT
GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
– LINDA MCMURDOCK, PHD,
VICE PRESIDENT FOR
STUDENT AFFAIRS
Spring 2021 Mount Magazine 21THE
MSMU ORAL
Share Your
HISTORY
PROJECT
Stories
Help us preserve our rich history
as told by those who lived it.
Your contributions to the Mount’s oral history
project will preserve your memories and
create a cherished memento of our evolving
community. To participate, please visit
alums.msmu.edu/history.
22 Mount Magazine msmu.eduengage
Support THE MOUNT
The Wellness Movement Sisters’ Memorial Funds
Mount Saint Mary’s University has created a comprehensive wellness Every sister is dear to Mount Saint Mary’s, but we recently lost
initiative centered on the principles of inclusion, empowerment three who were indelibly intertwined with the University. Memorial
and personal well-being. The new Wellness Pavilion will house Funds have been set up for each of them, and gifts of any size
special programs for healthy nutrition, physical activity, health in their memory will be gratefully accepted. Visit the websites for
and stress reduction — everything our students need to master each fund below or contact Kevin A. Barry.
the art of living well. Visit msmu.edu/wellness to learn more. A more detailed memorial of each sister can be found in
Remembrances on page 26.
COVID-19 Relief Fund
Students at the Mount are not only unstoppable — they are Sister Imelda D’Agostino, CSJ, ’58
resilient, courageous and determined. However, the pandemic Former Mount Trustee and Professor Emerita of Education
and economic downturn have severely impacted a large portion 1938–2020
of our student body and their families. Gifts to the COVID-19 The Sister Imelda D’Agostino, CSJ, ‘58 Memorial Scholarship Fund
Relief Fund support students in need by providing additional supports current Mount Saint Mary’s students who are pursuing
scholarship support, loaner laptops, mobile WiFi hotspots and a degree in education with specific interests in early childhood
funds for books, among other educational necessities. For more education. To make a donation, visit: tinyurl.com/SrImelda.
information, contact Kevin A. Barry.
Sister Mary Constance Fitzgerald, CSJ, ’47
Mount Fund and Mount Associates Educator in English literature and writing
Contributions to the Mount Fund, the unrestricted fund at Mount 1913–2020
Saint Mary’s, support key priorities like financial aid and faculty Sister Constance spent 52 years in education, primarily teaching
initiatives. Annual contributors of $1,000 or greater are recognized English literature and writing. Sister Constance was always a
as Mount Associates members and receive invitations to an annual teacher at heart. In retirement, she started a creative writing
event hosted by the president. To join the Mount Associates, class for the CSJ s living at Carondelet Center. Celebrate her life
please contact Kevin A. Barry. and legacy by making a gift in her honor to MSMU ’s CSJ institute,
helping to ensure that all our CSJ s and their legacies live on.
Heritage Society and Planned Giving To make a donation, visit: tinyurl.com/SrConstance.
Established in 1992, the Heritage Society is comprised of alumnae,
Sister Annette Bower, CSJ, ’59
friends, faculty and staff who have made plans to provide for
Professor Emerita of Biological Sciences
the university in their estate plans. For more information on the
1933–2020
Heritage Society, please visit msmu.edu/plannedgiving or contact
Maria Solano. A $30,000 Sister Annette Bower Endowed Scholarship for
students in biological sciences was established by Mount Saint
Mary’s in 2006 at the time of her retirement. Donations given
here will be applied to this scholarship. To make a donation,
visit: tinyurl.com/SrAnnette.
COVID-19 Relief Fund Gift Planning Alumnae Relations/Reunion Giving
Mount Fund and Mount Associates Heritage Society Tom Arteaga, director of alumnae relations
Sisters’ Memorial Funds Maria Solano, gift planning officer tarteaga@msmu.edu
Kevin A. Barry, msolano@msmu.edu alums.msmu.edu
senior director of development msmu.edu/plannedgiving 213.477.2767
kbarry@msmu.edu 310.709.4376
msmu.edu/support
213.477.2875
Spring 2021
21 Mount Ma
Magazine
agazine 23
2 3giving
PROFILE OF PHILANTHROPY
Patricia Cribbs ’85
Patricia Cribbs ’85 made her first donation to Mount Saint Mary’s in 1985,
right after she graduated from the nursing program. Philanthropy was a value
she was raised with. “My parents said, ‘The Mount changed you. Think of
the Women’s Leadership Program. Think of how much your professors gave
to you. Why not continue that giving?’”
Her little seed gift has blossomed into a lifelong passion to support the “I was in awe of all the
University. At this year’s Scholarship Celebration, Cribbs was awarded the
Unstoppable Supporter Award for her commitment to help the Mount and scholarships available
its students achieve success in their endeavors.
Mount Saint Mary’s has woven threads of friendship and giving throughout for students and
her life. At her first job at LAC + USC Medical Center, she met Vivian
Burgess ’52, who recognized Cribbs’ Mount nursing pin, and the two struck wanted to be part of that
an instant friendship. Two years later, when Cribbs enrolled in the nurse
practitioner program at the University of San Diego, she met Natalie (Harris) scholarship family.”
Martinez ’79, who was also enrolled and lived only a block away from her.
And Sister Carlotta DiLorenzo, CSJ, whom Cribbs knew from Chalon Campus
Ministry, ran the Campus Ministry at USD. “My life is a series of
chance encounters with the Mount that have confirmed
my path,” she says.
Cribbs has worked as a family nurse practitioner
in the Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group in Rancho
Bernardo, California, since 1997. That same
year, she was invited to be a Mount Associate.
When Cribbs became a Mount Regent in
2006, she attended her first scholarship
luncheon. “I was in awe of all the scholarships
available for students and wanted to be
part of that scholarship family,” she says.
“But I thought I would have to retire first. I
didn’t realize I could make it happen right away.”
In 2018, she took the leap and began both
the Patricia A. Cribbs Expendable Scholarship
and the Patricia A. Cribbs Endowed Nursing
Scholarship. “I realized that every scholarship is
helpful, big ones and small ones, even if it is only $200
or $500. Students are overwhelming grateful to have
received the gift.” Cribbs is pleased to be able to provide
significantly more.
Throughout the years, Cribbs has also supported the University in other
ways, including contributing to a COVID-19 relief fund, the Mount Fund,
Mount Giving Day and renovation projects at Chalon.
“I’ve always been willing to give wherever the need is greatest,” she says.
“But the Scholarship Luncheon is one of my favorite events because I get
to see the quality, the professionalism and the strength of Mount students.
The Mount changed my life and to see that continue is wonderful.”
24 Mount Magazine msmu.eduYou can also read
