Legends From The Hill

Nicole, a new member of the Alumni Board and the Regional Chapter Leader for our Southern California alumni chapter, joins us this month to remind us of the gentle ways that God guides us step by step on our journey to Him. She so desperately wants to invite a greater sense of Catholic community in her region and encourages you to reach out to get connected by emailing her at [email protected].   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Leah, a new member of the Alumni Board and the Regional Chapter Leader for our Dallas alumni chapter, joins us this month to re-ignite our excitement for community and connection, specifically with the unique community that exists within the Franciscan University family. With great stories from her time as a student and employee at the University, she helps us reminisce on those moments that made Franciscan so impactful in our formational years. Connect with Leah by emailing her at [email protected].   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Peter Burds ’08, a new member of the Alumni Board, joins us on Legends from the Hill to remind us of the beauty of the community we experienced during our time on campus. He encourages us to continue to build that community for ourselves by remaining connected to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, and by offering mentorship and support to those who cross our paths. You can connect with Pete through NET’s website.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

From her freshman year to the present day, Education major Stacey (Gannon ’99) Persichetti has loved her career in the classroom. As a new member of the Alumni Board and a Regional Chapter Leader for Atlanta, she invites you to the numerous activities offered to the alumni community across the country! Tune in to find out how close she came to attending a different University and what her household’s hidden talent is… Connect with Stacey by emailing her at [email protected]. Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Sometimes one time through Steubenville just isn't enough.  After her time as a student, and after her time as a full-time staff member in the Conference Office, Kristi (McClintock '05) Scheerbaum now consults for the University's Catechetical Institute and runs the Discipleship Quads program.  Join us on Legends from the Hill to hear Kristi encourage us to take ownership of the growth of our spiritual lives and to lean into opportunities to create wholesome communities.   To learn more about Discipleship Quads, visit www.dquads.com.  Kristi welcomes connections via email at [email protected].   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Jason Negri, a seasoned member of the Alumni Board who leads a life so busy that there isn’t much time for “free-time”, joins us on Legends from the Hill to emphasize the importance of familial connections, likening the Franciscan Alumni community to a family, speaking from his experience as one of our previous Alumni Directors. Connect with Jason by emailing him at [email protected].   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Kevin, a new member of the Alumni Board (YES, we’ve got lots of new members this year!), joins us on Legends from the Hill to remind us of the importance of community and networking for wholesome growth: professionally, personally, and spiritually. His desire as a member of our Board is to broaden and strengthen the alumni community, and he invites you to join him in his efforts. Connect with Kevin by emailing him at [email protected].

Nick Wagner ’05 is a new member of the Alumni Board and the Regional Chapter Leader for our Cleveland alumni chapter.  He invites us to build Franciscan community for ourselves by participating in the events offered to alumni through regional chapters and attending annual on-campus events. Connect with Nick by emailing him at [email protected] or meeting up with him at the next Cleveland area event for University alumni, families, and friends. Listen to more Alumni stories here.

Eric, Franciscan’s director of Missionary Outreach and a new member of our Alumni Board, shares beautiful stories of how the Holy Spirit has led him to a new encounter with Christ. He also invites his fellow alumni to support the ministry of Franciscan University’s student-led mission trips. Connect with Eric at [email protected] or 740-284-5007 to share your story about mission work. Listen to more Alumni stories here.

Lindsey, a new member of the Alumni Board and the Regional Chapter Leader for our Rhode Island alumni chapter, joins us this month to inspire us to pray and lean on community for the sake of continued growth: personally, professionally, and (most importantly) spiritually.  She also shares great memories of her time at Franciscan and of the best ice cream she has ever tasted! Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Brian, a new member of the Alumni Board and the Regional Chapter Leader for our Minneapolis/Twin Cities alumni chapter, joins us on Legends from the Hill to share his passion and excitement for building a stronger community amidst our alumni for increased opportunities to live out our vocations and grow in our faith. Connect with Brian on Facebook through the Minneapolis chapter page or by emailing him at [email protected]. Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

As a professor at Franciscan, department chair, wife, and mother, there is no denying that Becca leads a busy life. However, that hasn’t stopped her from serving as a member on our Alumni Board in hopes of helping strengthen the alumni community. In our conversation, she reflects on her growth as a student, inviting us to join her in her efforts to send forth our current students as disciples into this world. Connect with Becca by emailing her at [email protected]. Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.  

As the President and Vice President of our Alumni Board, Anne and John share insights on the ways that they’ve seen the engagement of alumni with the University grow over the years and the ways they hope to continue supporting the alumni community by encouraging alumni to reach out with thoughts and new ideas. Along the way, they inspire us with stories from their time as students and how the University has touched their lives–the ultimate reason for why they are passionate about giving back to their alma mater. Connect with Anne and John on LinkedIn.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

As the new Executive Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations and your podcast host, Chris introduces himself and shares his vision of support and service to the alumni community going forward. He also provides a little sneak peek into the exciting conversations we have planned for Season 5 of Legends from the Hill. Connect with Chris at [email protected] or email us at [email protected].   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

As we make the most of this last summer month, we chat with Kevin Symonds about the impact that his Household and formation at Franciscan had on his life and his ability to embrace the many different directions in which God’s will took him.  As an author of three books (Refractions of Light, Pope Leo XIII and the Prayer to St. Michael, and On the Third Part of the Secret of Fátima), Kevin sheds light on what it means to be “successful” as a Catholic and how to live a successful Catholic lifestyle.  To learn more, visit his website here.      Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Annie Schuler is a young woman from Baltimore whose passion for God’s beautiful design of the female body led her to study Biology at Franciscan.  She now lives in Lockport, New York with her husband, her son, and a daughter on the way.  In celebration of the beauty of women, Annie and I discuss her book, Women of All Seasons: The Symbolism of the Menstrual Cycle.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

As we host our adult and youth summer conferences – both on campus at Franciscan University and across the world – we invite Sarah Houde ’09 to share her story about working in ministry as an event planner for Catholic events. A Catechetics and Theology major, Sarah now serves as VP of Events and Operations at the National Eucharistic Congress, where she describes the 2024 revival in Indianapolis as the “Catholic Super Bowl”. On a personal note, she encourages us to hold on to hope when wrestling with God’s plan and his timing.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ‘89, Robert Lesnefsky ‘99, and Tim Delaney ’99 MBA ’07 – In celebration of Father’s Day, Father Dave, Bob, and Tim discuss what it means to be a father and how they fulfill their unique vocations within today’s society.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

As we celebrate our new class of graduates (welcome to the FUS alumni community!), we talk to Jim Burke, MA '23 about the ways that Franciscan played a role in his faith journey. The Catholic Studies program taught Jim about Mission and the fact that we do better when we start with the “why”, which gives meaning to the “what”. Jim's journey has taken him from the US Marine Corps to private equity, and along the way he has learned this: You can't love what you don't know, and the more you know it, the more you can love it.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

During the month of May, we honor our Blessed Mother - and ALL mothers!  This episode of Legends From the Hill explores some of the challenges of becoming a mother with Dr. Damian Olsen, class of 2008. Dr. Olsen’s practice uses NaPro Technology to help couples struggling with infertility and address many other women’s health matters.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

As we continue our Lenten journeys, Martin and Coley chat about new opportunities to consider for a deeper faith life and more intimate relationship with God our Father through his ministry, Elevated Parish Missions.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

In celebration of St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland, Clare Hinshaw ’12 chats about her role as the Legacy Society & Development Relations Director at Young America’s Foundation (YAF). There, she works to foster relationships with Young America’s Foundation’s most committed supporters, organizes the Foundation’s annual Be Not Afraid Seminar for students at Catholic schools, and brings Christianity and Truth into America’s society through public communications.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Paul Herlihey ‘18 speaks about the sacrificial love he showed (and continues to show) his family with his career change from the sports industry to finance, a change that allows him to support his family not only financially, but with increased presence in their lives.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.  

As we reflect on what it means to love and be loved during Valentine’s Day, John Beaulieu ’90 talks about the ways that, through his Romans 5:5 ministry, he is preaching the Gospel message of Love, inviting us to walk with him on his journey to deeper love, mercy, and healing through his relationship with God. Pay attention to find out what other famous guest of this podcast was John’s roommate!   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

As students and families prepare for classes to resume after holiday breaks, let’s talk to Abriana (Flynn) Chilelli ’06 about how she is able to touch the lives of the students, faculty, and staff that she works with and serves each day in her role as the Associate Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Portland and Diocesan Liaison for the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Shevin McCullough ’03 studied Marketing at Franciscan University before getting involved in real estate and music. Join us to hear his conversion story that led to his co-founding of Studio 3:16, a Christian episodic TV series for kids and a source of content for religion classes and biblical study lessons.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Heather Khym completed a degree in Theology and Catechetics in 2001.  While raising 3 kids, Heather founded Life Restoration Ministries with her husband Jake. She is also one of the co-host for the beloved Abiding Together podcast! In preparation for Advent, a time for prayer and reflection to encounter Jesus in a new way and to experience deeper healing, we talk about Heather’s journey towards healing and how she, through her ministry, is helping others find healing in their lives.  We also discuss her new book, Encountering Emmanuel, an Advent prayer journal that she invites us to journey through with her during this Advent season.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Terry Schilling completed a degree in Political Science in 2009 and immediately managed a winning election campaign for his father Bobby in 2010! Today we speak with the current President of The American Principles Project about his work in pro-life politics and the importance of considering such topics during an election.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Tim Delaney completed his degrees in History and Theology in 1999. After testing the waters outside of Steubenville, Tim came back home to Franciscan and has now been on the staff for 20 years, initially with Financial Aid and Admissions, and now in the Alumni office. Tune in for a preview of the University’s upcoming Strategic Plan, plus Tim has “20 Insights from 20 Years”. Don't miss this very special episode marking the beginning of our 4th series of Legends from the Hill!   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Brendan Gotta graduated in 2015 with a degree in Communication Arts. Alongside his career spanning ministry and fundraising he started his own podcast called Gotta Be Saints. Join us to hear Brendan share how he balances career, family, and passion projects.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Shannon studied English and Theology at Franciscan, and even came back for a Masters in Catechetics, but it was her extracurricular activities as a student that shaped her career thus far. After volunteering with Vagabond Missions while at Franciscan, Shannon moved into a full-time role with the organization and has been there ever since. Her passion is advocating for the youth of our inner-city neighborhoods – and finding creative ways to serve their deepest needs.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Anthony Pienta graduated in 2004, having majored in Philosophy, Theology, and Business.  Now the Executive Director at The Altum Fund, Anthony has used all three of those degrees to make his way through careers in education and fundraising.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Christen (Pine) Routh ’07 graduated with a double major in French and Business (Finance) and has enjoyed a successful career with “Big 4” accounting firm Earnst & Young -while being a working mom. She shares her path and story of how she and her husband, Jimmy Routh MA ’04 have been both foster and adoptive parents.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Mary (Jaminet) McClusky graduated from Franciscan University in 1998 with a communications degree. A life-long worker in the vineyard of the Pro-Life Movement, Mary now leads training and resource creation for the Project Rachel Ministry at the USCCB. In this role she supports the Church’s post-abortion healing ministry at the national level while developing best practices for diocesan programming and services.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

After a student experience marked by pro-life advocacy work, Jason Negri completed a degree in History and pursued a career in law. To this day, he continues to advocate for injustices happening in the world around him.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Erin (Wilson) Shircliff graduated with a Theology degree in 2011 and began a career in Pro-Life advocacy. Working at Mary’s Shelter in northern Virginia, Erin supports mothers during and – just as importantly – after their pregnancies. Take a listen to learn more about this beautiful ministry.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Ken Baldwin graduated in 2005 with a degree in Communication Arts. After working for Franciscan University in both admissions and advancement he is now the Executive Director of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology with Dr. Scott Hahn. Ken and his wife Maria (Torma '08) are faithful advocates for Franciscan University and he shares the impact it has made on his life.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Frank Monaco completed an English degree at The College of Steubenville in 1972 before going on to a successful career as a police officer - and police chief - in Pennsylvania. Frank and his team were the first responders on the scene in recovery of Flight 93 in Somerset, PA on 9/11. From Steubenville in the late 1960s, to the Pennsylvania State Troopers, Frank has a broad range of experiences and stories to share.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Bob Hogan studied Philosophy and Business at Franciscan, graduating in 2010. After law school and a brief but successful stint at a law firm, Bob is launching a pro-life insurance company. Tune it to find out what a pro-life insurance company offers and how Bob’s business model is informed by his faithful Catholic education.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Liz Miller, class of 2010, practices international law and defends human rights. She recently founded her own non-profit organization that works to prevent human trafficking domestically. Liz credits her studies in Theology and Philosophy at Franciscan as the foundation of her formation and the springboard of her career.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Where’s the cross-over from country music to Catechetics? John Paul Von Arx ’17 shares his story, including how his God-given talents took him away from Franciscan… and then right back. Don’t miss the new music video for “He’s Different”, the song John Paul wrote about having – and learning from – a brother with Down’s Syndrome. Visit JohnPaulVonArx.com to discover his music or to book John Paul for your next event!   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Michelle (Weber) Hillaert ’99 comes from a long line of sisters to attend Franciscan, where she studied Communication Arts and played soccer. She is currently the executive director of the Given Institute, which helps form young women into leaders.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Mark Kalpakgian completed his studies in History and French in 2002, and after a brief stint in the business world he became the Director of Student Life for our Gaming, Austria campus from 2006-2012.  For the last 10 years he has been putting his business and education experience to good use at The Classical Academies, where he is now serving as the COO.  Additionally, in 2015, Mark and his wife Niki (Holley '02) were honored with the Rose M. DeFede Faithful Franciscan Award, for their volunteer contributions to their alma mater by establishing an outstanding Alumni Chapter in Southern California.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Michelle (McKnight) Barto ’03 studied computer information science and business marketing at Franciscan. She has led a successful career in a fortune 500 company and created 2 of her own small businesses. Michelle is passionately involved in her local community and serves on the Board of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District in her home of Costa Mesa, California.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

The common thread running through the life of Rhett Young ’94 is trust in God’s providence and plan.  Hailing from California, Rhett arrived in Ohio to pursue degrees in Theology and Philosophy, and -as it turned out- his wife! After some time back out west in Denver and the Los Angeles area working in education and diocesan family ministry, Rhett’s journey brought him back to Steubenville where he has spent the last 11 years as the Director of Missionary Outreach. Hear how Rhett’s personal story of walking with the Lord has helped him form our students and how he teaches them to put their faith into action.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

When people ask you “How are you doing?”, do you answer, “Busy!”?  Holly Joy (Penzenstadler) McIlwain graduated with an education degree in 2003 and has put her talents to good use – instructing and presenting to countless individuals, helping them find fullness and balance in their life. An accomplished author, speaker, and HR professional, Holly Joy is here for you. Contact Holly or find her books at her website.      Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Have you ever had déjà vu? Iliana (Gonzales) Spoelman graduated from Franciscan University in 2016 with her degree in Communication Arts, having also been a student athlete and a Resident Assistant in her dorm. Iliana later returned to Franciscan as a Residence Director, took a position as a basketball coach, and now serves as our Assistant Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations, a communications-heavy role. We can’t make this stuff up.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Mark’s journey with Franciscan University began by hearing Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR, speak at a conference. Since Mark is now the Director of Career Services, we’ll talk today about how the Office of Personal Vocation uses new platforms and technology to help current students prepare for their future and keep our alumni connected.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

From court side to couch side, Suzy (Heusel) Delaney uses her undergrad degrees in Biology and Theology, and her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, to coach your body, mind, and soul. Suzy spent her first stint with FUS coaching our women’s basketball team, including as head coach from 2012 to 2019. Her work with students continues in the form of a counseling role in the Baron Counseling Center. Tune in to find out what you need to do in order to get out of Dr. Martin’s final exam!   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

After serving as the Director of Student Life on our Gaming campus for 7 years, Brian has returned to Steubenville to work with his good friend Fr. Dave as Director of Presidential Relations.  Does a Marketing degree prepare you for Youth Ministry?  Why is Austria like a microwave?  Is Mel Gibson’s daughter really visiting campus?  We have questions, and Brian Kissinger has the answers on this episode of Legends From the Hill.   Listen to more Legends from the Hill: Alumni Podcast episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.