Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from the Marymount College Alumni Association The best part of the season is remembering those who make the holidays meaningful. We wish you all the love and happiness this season can bring. May it follow you throughout the coming year! www.marymountpv.edu/alumni

President Brophy Represents Marymount Internationally

The President of Marymount College, Dr. Michael Brophy, will be visiting Asia in January. Check out this link for more information: http://www.marymountpv.edu/Brophys2011Travels

If you are in any of these locations on these dates, President Brophy would love to meet you! Please take a few minutes to check the itinerary and let us know what time works for you!

Departs: January 14 LAX
Arrives: January 16 Manila
Arrives: January 17 Jakarta
Arrives: January 19 Singapore
Arrives: January 21 Delhi
Arrives: January 22 Hong Kong
Arrives: January 24 Beijing
Arrives: January 25 LAX

 

If you are available to meet with Dr. Brophy, please contact Dina Dini ddini@marymountpv.edu or call 310 303-7258.

First Thursday, December 6

Don't forget to come check out 1st Thursday happening tonight in Downtown San Pedro! Check out Marymount College students in theater productions, music performances, and art galleries. Plus, loads of food truck to get your apatite take care of and many more!

Check out this website for more details: www.1stthursday.com/

Photo of the week

Hey All, Happy Tuesday.

Take a moment to check out the photo of the week! Do you have any photo from Marymount College that you would like to share? Check out the link at the bottom to direct you to the site and then you will see the button in the upper-right corner  Click on it and begin to upload your photos and yours might be picked as the photo of the week! Happy sharing!

http://marymountcollege.phanfare.com/alumni

Christmas Party

Holidays are Mariner-ing towards us!

On Sunday, December 2, Marymount College hosted its annual Celebration of the Season holiday party at the Marymount College Cafe. Joining in the evening were faculty, staff and their families and the Sisters of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. Guests were entertained by the music and vocal performances of Marymount College Jazz Ensemble. Guests brought unwrapped gifts for children in need, while Santa Claus entertained the children.  Following the delightful meal and fellowship with one another, a candlelight Advent Reading and Carols Concert were held in the College’s Chapel. Take a look at the photo album.

Career Presentations: You're Invited!

Please join us for a career presentation from:

John Ser

Training & Development, American Honda Motor Company

John is a multiple award winning trainer and facilitator who has worked with numerous fortune 500 companies in leadership, sales, and motivation presentations.  He has had the opportunity to train and speak to companies such as Sprint/Nextel Communications, The Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Southwest Airlines. Have the opportunity to hear and meet John as he shares some of his experiences and stories that has led to his successful career.  John will provide strategies that lead to success and he will also provide tips to help turn stressful situations into successful situations!

When: Thursday  December 6th, 2012

Time: NOON

Where: Student Lounge at Waterfront Campus

Event Cost: FREE WITH LUNCH

All Alums are definitely invited and encouraged to seize this opportunity!

Senior Capstone Presentation

Hey All!
Please take some time out to come and support the senior class presenting their senior capstones!
This presentation will take place on:

When: December 6, 2012
Where: Room 122 and 123 at the Waterfront Campus
Time: Noon
Cost: Free

Marymount Student Lauded for her Volunteerism

Marymount Student Lauded for her Volunteerism

Peggy Wall, Marymount College freshman, was a finalist in the Daily Breeze People of Distinction awards. She is one of 20 remarkable people from a field of nominees who was heralded at a November 14 event sponsored by the South Bay newspaper. Peggy has been volunteering routinely for as long as she can remember. In her biography, presented by the Daily Breeze in their November 14 special section devoted to the finalists, said Peggy and her family have been volunteering through the Optimist Club and have worked in Chinatown helping out with the neighborhood carnival and other ways during the Christmas holiday.  In 2006 and 2008, Peggy received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her years of service. read full article here.

Promoting Democracy and Human Rights Through Education in Guatemala

This week Jorge Chojolán, an internationally recognized social entrepreneur, educator, and human rights activist from Guatemala, will be visiting and speaking at Marymount on Thursday and Friday. Should you see him on campus, please say hello!

 

During his visit, he’ll be speaking to students in seven classes, spanning social entrepreneurship, global studies, Latin America, and political science.  He’ll also meet with different student groups for lunch and further discussion. We’re thrilled that so many students will have the opportunity to learn more about important issues in our neighboring.

 

This Thursday evening there will also be a free public event, where Jorge will speak on “Promoting Democracy and Human Rights Through Education in Guatemala.” 

Theatre Production of Agatha Christie's "Spider Web"

This fall’s theatre production will be Agatha Christie’s “Spider’s Web.” A murder mystery farce, the play is set at a house in the English countryside. Clarissa, the second wife of Henry Hailsham-Brown, is known for spinning tales of adventure, but when a murder takes place in her own drawing room, she finds live drama much harder to cope with, especially as she suspects that the murderer might be her young stepdaughter, Pippa.

November 15, 16 and 17, 8 p.m.
Warner Grand Theatre, 478 West Sixth Street, San Pedro, CA

Tickets are $10.00 for students and seniors; $15.00 for adults
To purchase tickets in advance, please contact Brown Paper Tickets atwww.brownpapertickets.com 
or call 1-800-838-3006. 

Night of the event at the Warner Grand box office. Box offices open at 7:30 p.m. 
For more information call Claudete Marques at (310) 377-5501

For more Cultural Arts events visit www.marymountpv.edu/cultural-arts

LaToya Hearns '03

"Marymount taught me to be curious," shares LaToya Hearns, a 2003 graduate whose Marymount experience led to continued studies at the University of Southern California  an internship to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a full-time employment at the University of California Los Angeles as the senior contracts and grants manager.

"It's survival of the fittest' at USC and UCLA, and Marymount definitely prepared me to do well there. But in addition to a strong academic foundation, i gained so many valuable life skills," Latoya says.

"I appreciated being exposed to different cultures at Marymount and learning to be culturally sensitive  In my work at UCLA, we see a plethora of cultures, so it is important to explain things in different ways based on various cultures. All those cultural experiences and activities at Marymount College prepared me to be able to relate. And when you can relate to people, they see you as being the same as they are," LaToya says.

Alum Photo of the Week

WHAT ARE YOU MARINER-ING WITH?

HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO GET CREATIVE AND SHARE YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM MARYMOUNT COLLEGE!


Find lots more photos in the Marymount Alumni Photo Library:- http://marymountcollege.phanfare.com/alumni. 
Add photos to the library and yours could be picked as the Alumni Photo of the Week! To add a photo, click on the dropbox symbol in the upper right corner of the library.

Spider Web

CHECK OUT THE LINK:

http://marymountevents.blogspot.com/2012/10/theatre-production-of-agatha-christies.html

This fall’s theatre production will be Agatha Christie’s “Spider’s Web.” A murder mystery farce, the play is set at a house in the English countryside. Clarissa, the second wife of Henry Hailsham-Brown, is known for spinning tales of adventure, but when a murder takes place in her own drawing room, she finds live drama much harder to cope with, especially as she suspects that the murderer might be her young stepdaughter, Pippa.

November 15, 16 and 17, 8 p.m.
Warner Grand Theatre, 478 West Sixth Street, San Pedro, CA

Tickets are $10.00 for students and seniors; $15.00 for adults
To purchase tickets in advance, please contact Brown Paper Tickets atwww.brownpapertickets.com 
or call 1-800-838-3006. 

Night of the event at the Warner Grand box office. Box offices open at 7:30 p.m. 
For more information call Claudete Marques at (310) 377-5501

Democracy and Human Rights

HAPPY MARINER-ING MONDAY! CHECK THIS OUT!
Promoting Democracy and Human Rights Through Education In Guatemala.

When:November 29, 2012

Time: 7pm

Where: Auditorium, Main Campus

Cost: FREE!

* Jorge Chojolan- an internationally recognized social entrepreneur, Educator, and human rights activist- was born into the indigenous Mayan community in the deeply inequitable society of Guatemala. Despite the barriers before him, he rose to achieve a university degree and went on to found the Miguel Angel Asturias Academy in the predominantly indigenous city of Quetzaltenango. His goal to transform his society through education at the school by educating and empowering some of Guatemala's most vulnerable children; girls, the indigenous and the poor. Mr.Chojolan will discuss the importance of education to democracy in Guatemala and speak about the Academy's unique educational model.

Estate Pie

 

A personal invitation from Tom Zajac, Marymount College and member of BRAVO...

At this one-hour presentation, representatives from Marymount College and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum will explore how you can manage your estate through a will and trust.

Also included are tips for:

• planning your estate
• how to prevent accidental disinheritance
• and the use of advanced healthcare directives

You will leave with a greater understanding of how to leave your legacy for future generations. A complimentary guide and workbook will be provided to each participant.

RSVP: Marymount College Development Office

310-303-7326

Marian Neumeyer
events@marymountpv.edu

Marymount and USC Tailgate Party!

HAPPY MARINER-ING MONDAY!!!!

Be sure to check out our Facebook  Twitter and LinkedIn Pages to find out the latest news mariner-ing here at Marymount College! 

   Coming to you November 10,2012 is the Marymount and USC  tailgate party!

Please take the time to check out the information provided in the link below. This is one historical event you do not want to miss!

Don't forget to RSVP!

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=pxclcdfab&v=001_bti-hHe0Cy8WCCrM6ntlt-ZYQcVYmIIZkPL27eTokwB0yNRpVjA2VrizHtN063TWiFWao-Ig85p4h_2FURPR3osNEn9GKKdRXHaz9o7GijBymwyX48JSMqvWrBXNN3M_3LIZSVvRwJD0Zc8RaXTi6ZfmoodjmXAQzoqfolNEWQ%3D

Lives Interrupted- DON'T FORGET ITS TOMORROW!

You love going to the movies and getting free stuff right? So what if you could get the best of both worlds?!  Here is your chance!

Produced and directed by Marymount College professor Bruce Schwartz, this movie reflects on the shooting of two film students who were gunned down in a robbery in 1994. The Ito/Matsuura Film Series honors thier memories with an annual series of the best in independent cinema.

When: October 24, 2012
Time: 7pm
Cost: FREE
Where: Warner Grand Theater, 478 West 6th Street San Pedro

Please take a minute to check out the website provided below.
http://www.takandgo.com/

Kevin Jablonski '82

Kevin Jablonski graduated from Marymount in 1982, but the experience remains an important part of his life. “Marymount’s environment helped me believe in myself and in my ability to achieve whatever goals I set for myself,” he says.

After earning a two-year degree from Marymount, Kevin set many goals. First attending Loyola University and the University of California-Santa Barbara, he later pursued his master’s degree in public health from University of California Los Angeles, followed by his Ph.D. in psychology from Alliant University in Los Angeles.

Kevin held a range of career roles (from serving as a computer company executive to reasearching lupus treatments) before he began a post-doctoral fellowship in law enforcement psychology with the Los Angeles Police Department. Today, he is the LAPD’s chief police psychologist-a job that spans criminal cases, hostage negotiation, terrorism concerns and more.

For Kevin, Marymount College provided a strong foundation for his life. “Marymount

helped me develop my voice,” he explains. And Marymount’s Catholic heritage was

also of value. “Interacting with the nuns and priests who were instructors there led

me to revisit my religious beliefs. That was important to me…important to the

person I’ve become.”

Maria Lavell '80

Her first visit to the Marymount campus was all it took for Maria Lavell - she immediately fell in love. After receiving her acceptance to Marymount, the ’80 alumna applied for what she thought was a music scholarship but when she showed up to the audition it turned out to be a theater scholarship. She gave it a try, succeeded, and ended up spending her two years at Marymount performing with

what Maria describes as “some of the most amazing and talented people.

Maria graduated from Marymount in 1980 with a GPA so high that it earned her the Mabel Wilson Richardson Academic Scholarship for academic achievement. Maria went on to the University of Southern California where she received a degree in sociology and then went on to become a Los Angeles Police Officer. Maria then moved to Las Vegas where she worked as a police officer in Clark County, Nevada.

While working as a police sergeant during the day, Maria attended the William S. Boyd School of Law in the evening and graduated with her Juris Doctor in 2006. Immediately after passing the Nevada State Bar Exam, Maria was hired as a Deputy District Attorney with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. She recently celebrated her fifth year in office and was promoted to Chief Deputy District Attorney.

Throughout all her experiences and accomplishments, Maria still remembers the sense of community she felt while at Marymount. “I will never forget the amazing experiences I had, the fabulous faculty and the many friends I made. Oh, to be young again!” she says.

John DiScala, '92

 You wouldn’t guess that Johnny Jet, a travel expert who racks up at least 150,000 air miles every year, used to be afraid of flying. “I got to the gate for a flight to Australia and turned around,” says John DiScala –as he’s known to family and friends  about his first attempt to fly after a doctor warned against it. “When I was 17 years old the doctor told me I had asthma, gave me way too much medication, and told me that I"might have a problem breathing on a plane because the cabin is pressurized." For 3 ½ years, I was afraid to fly.'" John, a ’92 Marymount alumnus, would eventually overcome his fear and go on to create JohnnyJet.com, a website that offers advice, discounts and stories on all things travel related. It has been named "one of the top best money-saving websites for travel" by Budget Travel Magazine and "one of the top 10 essential travel resources on the internet” by the LA Times. 

These days John, who visits about 20 countries a year, knows how to enjoy first class treatment without breaking the bank. But his travels weren't always so glamorous. “Having conquered my fear of flying I enrolled at Marymount College. I remember when I first started flying, even though I arrived at the airport very early, I still had to stand in a seemingly endless line to check- in, only to sit in a cramped middle seat in the back of the plane, be fed lousy food, and then have my bags come out last,” John says of the trips he’d make back and forth from Los Angeles to Connecticut, his home state.

Everything changed when John started dating a fellow Marymount student whose parents lived in Hong Kong. She invited him to visit Hong Kong with her, except that she was flying business class. Not wanting to sit in coach alone on 14 ½-hour flight, John was able to get a Capri, Italy, Argentina Australia Fiji business class seat for a great pricethrough a consolidator. “Wow! What a difference!” John says, “ nice seat with a leg rest, some ho towels, a little sorbet to clean the palate, non-stop food, beverages and movies. It was so good – I didn't want to leave the plane.”

After graduating from Marymount as student body president andm earning his B.A. at LMU, John returned to Marymount as a college recruiter with a 26-state territory. Constantly on the go, he was able to refine his newly discovered love oftraveling first-class on a budget. John started sharing his secrets with fellow Marymount recruiters and friends. His expertise was in such high-demand that John stated offering travel seminars and eventually, with the help of some talented Marymount students, built the JohnnyJet.com website in 1999.

Now, over 10 years later, John continues his quest for the best hotels, beaches, and flights. “In nine weeks one year, I went to New York, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Malaysia, Taipei, Florida, Cancún, Texas, and Morocco,” John says, “and I once went to Hawaii for dinner.” It’s no wonder why, in the May 2007 issue of Outside Magazine, Johnny Jet was touted for having one of the world's best "dream jobs"!

Michal Habdank-Kolaczkowski, '04

Michal Habdank-Kolaczkowski looks back on his time at Marymount College with great fondness. Now the Director of Communication for Waze, Michal, who attended from 2002-2004, describes his experience at Marymount as life-changing. “I can say with great certainty that Marymount was the place where I was meant to go. The friends I made - many of whom I still see every week - the classes, even the dorms I called home, were all part of what were easily the most defining years of my life,” Michal says. “Marymount is about bringing people together, each with their own different reason for being there, and giving them a safe, uplifting environment surrounded by staff and faculty that would do anything for them.”

As the Director of Communications for Waze, Michal runs Public Relations and Messaging, which he describes as being “exciting and life-engulfing every day.” Waze serves a community of an estimated

seven million drivers, using a smart phone application that gives real-time information about traffic, road conditions and hazards, and provides free turn-by-turn directions to avoid potential delay. Recently, Michal and Waze have partnered up with ABC in Los Angeles to deliver live traffic data everyday. Waze has been featured in The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, ABC, and Fox, and is growing everyday.

These days he’s chasing about every dream he’s ever had. Besides Michal’s success with Waze, he helps run and produces the San Francisco-based TEDxAlcatraz show, a unique event of short talks, demonstrations and performances on a variety of subjects. These events take place at Alcatraz which started out as a prison but has now been transformed into a national park and very popular tourist attraction. Apart from that, Michal also works with the Gray Area Foundation for the Arts.

Looking back to Marymount he describes the community as a whole to have had a big influence in his life and how every person affected and changed him in some integral way. When asked if he had any advice for current students at Marymount he said, “Savor every moment at Marymount, and learn as much as you possibly can, everyday, from every person. Marymount can teach you about everything that’s important in life. You just have to listen."

Excellence In Leadership Speaker Series

What's New?

The Marymount College Excellence in Leadership Speaker Series! 

When: October 22, 2012

Where: Main Campus, 30800 Palos Verdes Drive E., Rancho Palos Verdes

Time: 7pm

Cost: Free

Click Here for Details!

The world looks a lot different today than it did 50 years ago. What does that mean for a 21st century leader? What are the skills needed to make you successful and how do you effectively respond to an ever-changing world? 

Marymount College is bringing prominent California leaders to our Rancho Palos Verdes campus to discuss the leadership challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. Join us Monday, October 22  at 7 p.m. in the Chapel on the Marymount College Main Campus, when we will welcome:

Mitch Harmatz

The owner of Plaza Automotive Center in San Pedro, Mitch Harmatz has been honored for his business expertise, customer service and community involvement in many organizations.

Richard D. Farman

During his business career Richard Farman held various executive positions with Pacific Enterprises and its subsidiaries, including chairman and CEO of Southern California Gas Co. In June 1998, Farman became the first chairman and CEO of Sempra Energy.

Steven S. Koblik

As president of the Huntington Library, and trained as a diplomatic historian, Steven Koblik’s work encourages research and promotes education in the arts, humanities and botanical sciences through the growth and preservation of the Huntington’s collections.

David DiBiase

David DiBiase leads the education team within Esri’s Industry Solutions group. The team promotes and supports the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to enrich teaching and learning at all levels, in formal and informal settings, domestically and internationally.

WHY MISS A FREE AND HELPFUL EVENT? SPREAD THE WORD,  BE THERE, LEARN AND SUPPORT!

Jason Post '09

Last year alumnus Jason Post visited a biology class at Marymount to share his experiences in the sciences, along with the lessons learned throughout his time in college. When asked what advice he would give to current and future Marymount students, Jason offered this: "It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to study or do as a career right now. Marymount is a great place to discover yourself; it’s a place for personal growth, both as a student and as a human. Marymount fosters a holistic approach. Take classes in as many subjects as possible and grow as a person. By the time you walk onto Castle Field at your graduation, you will be ready for anything."

In May 2011, Jason was admitted to Texas Tech University for his master’s in fisheries science, he was awarded a full research assistantship and is now working with the Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. He is currently studying the effects of climate change on Prymnesium parvum (golden algae), a problem that has cost the state millions of dollars.

In addition to spending a year as a volunteer telecommunications officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Jason has done extensive research on the environmental impacts on coral reef ecology, including the impacts of climate change, ocean acidification due to C02 emissions, the effects of hurricanes on reef ecosystems and overfishing in the coral reef environment. This invaluable research could go on to influence policy decisions and the establishment of protected marine areas.

A 2009 Marymount graduate, Jason credits much of his ambition and success to Marymount College. "I developed many skills at Marymount. I perfected lab skills, and I was able to share my passion with other students as a teacher assistant. I got to travel to Egypt through Marymount and to explore reef ecosystems in the Red Sea. Because of Marymount, I feel more prepared and ready to take on the challenges, obstacles and rigors of university and field research life."

Christian Alvarado '08

On Sunday, March 18, Marymount alumnus Christian Alvarado, who has been blind since he was a child, crossed the LA Marathon finish line, marking his 11th completed marathon.

Christian began running marathons in 2005, when he was a senior in high school. “I actually started running but found that I just needed a challenge.” And he hasn’t stopped running since. On the ocasions when he didn’t have someone to train with him, Christian would run in place in his garage. “Once you start thinking ‘I can’t make it, or I’m not good enough or smart enough,’ then you stop achieving your goals,” he says.

Christian has faced many challenges in his life, including blindness, poverty, losing his brother to murder and overcoming academic roadblocks, but nonetheless he has excelled, first earning his associate degree in 2008 from Marymount College and then his bachelor’s degree from the University of Santa Cruz.

Today he works in development at the Fulfillment Fund, an organization that helps economically disadvantaged students graduate from high school, earn a college degree and become productive members of society. Christian was the first Fulfillment Fund student enrolled at Marymount. Today many students from the organization are pursuing their degree at the College. “The motivation that came from the Fulfillment Fund is what has pushed me to succeed,” he says.

Christian is planning to attend graduate school and is considering a career in higher education administration — and he has no plans to stop running marathons. “The worst disability people can have is the one they have in their mind once they decide they can’t accomplish something,” he says.

Daren Goldfarb '87

Daren Goldfarb ‘87 definitely knows that hard work and dedication pays off. Almost 25 years after leaving Marymount, Daren still remembers his time here and the many doors that Marymount opened for him.

When looking back at his years at Marymount, Daren recalls how the College allowed him to develop confidence as both a student and a person. The environment, small class sizes and professors’ willingness to help their students made his experience here unforgettable. Daren was very involved during his time at Marymount, from participating in sports to working in the preschool with Virginia Wade.

After Marymount, Daren transferred to Northeastern University in Boston, where he graduated with Honors with a B.S. in Human Services. Daren is currently Director of Sales for the Western Region at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), the largest wholesaler of natural, organic and specialty foods in the US and Canada. He is responsible for a division that grosses over one billion in sales and makes up over 30 percent of the company’s revenue.

Daren is currently living in Long Beach with his eleven-year-old daughter. When not at her soccer or volleyball games, their favorite thing to do is travel. They have already visited Costa Rica, Australia, and New Zealand and are currently planning a trip to Thailand sometime in the upcoming year.

Daren’s advice for current Marymount students: “Cherish your few years at Marymount and take the opportunity - with its small class sizes and nurturing professors - to set the tone for wherever you end up.

Alumnus Releases Album

Check out some fantastic music that has just been released by a fellow Mariner!  Marymount Alumnus, Sean Patrick Dwyer, just released his band's album.  Below is a link to the website where you can hear the music and download it.  The music is sublime and I think you will all enjoy.  Support your fellow Mariner and check out his music!

www.wearebreakfast.com

LinkedIn Information

 Hello All. Please take a few minutes to learn how to reconnect. 

Click to join the Official Alumni ofMarymount CollegeLinkedIn Group Connect with Marymount on LinkedIn!  Open up connections to potential jobs, resources and more!  Did you know that the Marymount College Alumni Association is on LinkedIn? Join today and instantly tap into a vast network of your fellow Marymount alumni.

First Thursday

Good Day Everyone!!!
Don't forget today is the first Thursday of the month which means ITS FIRST THURSDAY!

Marymount College invites you to Tailgate...Marymount Style!    Join us this Thursday, October 4 at San Pedro's 1st Thursday Artwalk  We will meet at 6p.m. at the entrance at our Waterfront Campus, located at 222 W. Sixth Street, San Pedro. From there we will:   Grab a bite to eat from the one of the many food trucks, or hit up one of great local restaurants Listen to the Marymount Jazz Ensemble at the Annex on Sixth street and other local performers Tour Marymount's Art Gallery in the famous Arcade Building as well as the art galleries on Sixth and Seventh Street And, most importantly, HAVE FUN & network with other alumni and friends of Marymount! For questions, or to RSVP, contact us at events@marymountpv.edu or call 310-303-7221.  Mark your calendar! San Pedro's First Thursday takes place every month from 6:00-8:00 p.m: Thursday, November 1 (special Day of the Dead Celebration) Thursday, December 6  www.1stthursday.com