The College’s Alumni Association, Alumni Board, and nearly 100 guests welcomed four outstanding alumni into Donnelly’s 2011 Alumni Hall of Fame class at an induction ceremony and reception the evening of May 12: Ed Dwight,'51, Carmen Rodriguez,'53, Susan Carroll,'62, and Gene Burdolski (deceased),'70.
Phil Doherty,'62, President of Donnelly’s Alumni Board, and Bob Bartunek, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, served as the evening’s emcees.
“It was great to see so many alumni and supporters gathered together in one room,” said Doherty. “Despite the difference in graduation years, each inductee described their time at Donnelly as one of the most important experiences of their life. Donnelly holds a special place in so many hearts.
“The Hall of Fame is a great way to celebrate not only the accomplishments of these great individuals, but also the overall legacy of Donnelly as a life- changing component in so many lives. In speaking with the current Donnelly students I met at the event, I can see this legacy – and that same Donnelly spirit we all know and love – still lives on today.”
The Hall of Fame was established in 2010 as part of the College’s 60th Anniversary, and honors inspiring alumni who have helped transform their communities and who demonstrate actions expressing the mission and spirit of Donnelly College.
“Each inductee, both in this and last year’s Hall of Fame class, is an outstanding example of how Donnelly students go on to do great things and inspire others,” said Roger Berg, Alumni Relations & Volunteer Coordinator.
“Our students today are the leaders and Alumni Hall of Fame inductees of tomorrow,” said President Steve LaNasa.
“You are all part of the Donnelly story. Reconnecting and visiting with our alumni is one of my favorite parts of this job because it reminds me of why we do what we do each day – to create access to higher education.”
Ed Dwight, Jr., '51
After Donnelly, Ed joined the U.S. Air Force to pursue his dream of being a pilot. He went on to earn a degree in aeronautical engineering from Arizona State University. In 1962, Ed was selected by the John F. Kennedy Administration as the first African American astronaut candidate. After a successful military career, Ed switched directions, dabbled in a variety of careers, and finally focused on his lifelong passion of sculpture. To date, he has completed more than 115 large-scale sculpture installations. His pieces are collected by museums and art enthusiasts around the world, including the Smithsonian. Ed Dwight Studios, Inc., in Denver is now one of the largest privately-owned production facilities in the western United States.
Carmen Rodriguez,'53
Through Donnelly and its founder, Sister Jerome Keeler, Carmen discovered her life’s passion: education. After her Donnelly graduation, she became a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Scholastica College, and began teaching. In 1973, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Mexican American Culture from San Jose State University and then moved back to Kansas City briefly where she taught Mexican American Cultural History at Donnelly. She then taught at Los Medanos Community College in Pittsburg, Calif. In 1988, Carmen returned to Donnelly to accept the College’s prestigious Delta Award for her work in education.
Susan Carroll, '62
Susan graduated from DC and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, psychology and English from St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, Kan. Susan returned to Wyandotte County and worked for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas for more than 30 years in a variety of roles, including Administrative Consultant to the Archbishop. In 2008, she became the Interim Executive Director for Community Housing of Wyandotte County (CHWC). After two-years, Susan decided to become a full-time volunteer for CHWC. She continues to serve in this role today, as well as on the Board of Directors for various community groups including CHWC, the YMCA, United Way, and Catholic Housing. Susan is a graduate of Leadership 2000 and an active parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Peter where she serves as a Eucharistic minister and lector.
Eugene “Gene” Burdolski, '70
Following his DC graduation, Gene attended the University of St. Mary where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He never forgot the tremendous role Donnelly played in his life, and remained connected to the College through his work on a number of committees and volunteer projects. Known for giving back to his beloved Kansas City community, Gene was a board member at the Good Samaritan Project and the AIDS Service Foundation. He also volunteered at organizations like the Hope Care Center and the Friends of Chamber Music. He was an active parishioner at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Mo., where he served in a variety of roles, including Eucharistic minister, lector, usher and choir member. Gene passed away in April 2008. His brother Donald, ́68, attended the Hall of Fame ceremony on Gene’s behalf.