Jill Reiling Markey '74 Jill received her Bachelors degree in Art Studio from the University of Kentucky, her Masters in Teaching from the University of Dayton, and a Doctorate in Art Education from the Ohio State University. Her dissertation was “A Qualitative Exploration of Discipline - Based Art Education and the Ohio Partnership.” Dr. Markey is currently an art educator for the Columbus Public Schools after having served as a Coordinator for Arts and Academics and as an Instructional Technologist. She served as President of the Ohio Art Education Association and remains an active member of the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and the Ohio Department of Education Standards Advisory. In 2001, she was a Fulbright Memorial Teacher in Japan, and in 2002, was recognized as an “Outstanding Faculty Representative” by the Columbus Education Association. The National Art Education Association named Jill as “Outstanding Art Educator of the Year for Supervision/Administration in the Western Region” (the largest region nationally encompassing 16 states), and in 2003, she was elected by NAEA to serve as director for that same Division. Kevin Joseph Lannon '80 Kevin enlisted in the United States Army right after graduating from Alter. He was a successful, skilled Medic for the Airborne Rangers, the elite Special Forces unit of the Army and became a Sergeant in only three years. In October 1983 Kevin participated in the spearhead mission of operation “Urgent Fury” in Grenada to rescue American medical students. He was directly responsible for saving several lives during “Urgent Fury”, but on the third day of Ranger operations, he lost his own. Kevin was killed in action during this final mission when the Blackhawk helicopter he was in was struck by small arms fire. Kevin received the Bronze Star Medal (Valor) from the President of the United States where it was said that, “his only concern was for his fellow soldiers.” Kevin made an unconventional choice for a young man in 1980, one of self-sacrifice and extreme discipline. While many of his classmates were preparing for their senior year in college, he was preparing for battle and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Father Mark R. Soehner, O.F.M. '76 Father Mark graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mercy College of Detroit in 1980 with a B.A. in English. He then joined the Franciscan Friars of the St. John the Baptist Province, Cincinnati, professed vows in 1981, and in 1987, he completed the M.Div. degree with Mission Specialization at Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union. Father Mark was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1987. In 1993 he obtained his M.S. in Pastoral Counseling, and in 1994, his C.A.S. and he is currently a licensed professional counselor in Michigan. Father Mark’s ministry has included teaching English to immigrants, providing pastoral counseling to families at hospitals and to juveniles in detention, and living and working among the homeless. In Cincinnati, he coordinated pastoral and sacramental care at U.C. and helped develop a homeless shelter. In Dayton, he managed the volunteers and guests at St. Vincent Hotel, a shelter for 60 men and women. In Detroit, he developed a shelter that serves 2000 homeless people a week and helped to begin “Oasis Detroit” a permanent home for homeless, mentally ill people that opened in 2003. In 1995, Father Mark became Pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Detroit where he works as a Professional Counselor and Spiritual Director, and in July 2005 he will become pastor for three inner city parishes as well. Michael Kunesh '78 Michael attended University of Notre Dame to earn degrees in biology and theology, and received his degree in medicine and training in ophthalmology from Ohio State University. He now specializes in cataract and glaucoma surgery in Oakwood. Michael is active with Alter’s Education Commission and also dedicates time to local politics and the arts, but his main interests are outside the United States. Mission work is a priority for Dr. Kunesh as he performs surgery and lends his talents to blindness prevention and correction programs through medical mission work in developing third world countries. Dr. Kunesh also works with a Marianist brother to aid the people of Malawi in their fight against AIDS and their struggle with its resulting huge number of orphans. He’s been involved with two projects that aid these children by supplementing their diets, providing agricultural support, sponsoring income generating activities, and teaching them a trade.