Chalk up “Spring Fling 2025” as another successful event for the MHSN Alumni
Association.
At 11 am we gathered in the Holy Family Chapel at Mercy Hospital for Mass celebrated
by Father John Oesterle. Epistle reading and petitions were offered by Linda Dunlop
Fowler ’62 and Theresa Brown Krzemien ‘73. Theresa and Chris Arison Constantine ’73
did a lovely job of decorating the Chapel and Clark Auditorium for the luncheon.
A brief informational meeting was conducted by president Marian Kowatch Bindas ‘85:
the new improved website is currently under construction; revised Bylaws; and call for
nominations for the Board position of President-Elect. Please email names to
mercyalums@gmail.com.
The theme for the gathering was “Wellness for Nurses: Body, Mind, and Spirit.” Megan
Melia Stiger ‘85 was proud to present our guest speaker, her sister & MHSN alum,
Maureen “Mo” Melia Chadwick, PhD, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Senior VP, Nursing and Chief
Nursing Officer, Ascension Healthcare System. Maureen gave an excellent
presentation, handouts, and group activity that led to some heartfelt and inspiring
conversation at the tables.
A surprise was then in store for us as Theresa introduced Mr. Jack Eckenrode, who
bequeathed scholarship funds in honor of his late wife of 67 years, Margaret, who was a
Mercy nursing student when they met. More surprises as Jack stepped up to the
podium and shared a glimpse of their life together, raising a beautiful family of 12
children and in their 70s started competing in the biking races at the National Senior
Games. Jack is now training for the 2025 Games in Des Moine, Iowa…where he’ll be
competing in the age group 95 and above. Yes, you read that right…Jack is 97 and his
goal is to live to 100. We all received a copy of his book “Road to 100:10 Pillars for
Strong and Healthy Aging from a Senior Olympian Cyclist,” co-written by his
granddaughter Katelyn Rendulic. Jack’s 10 Pillars totally encompass wholistic health:
body, mind, and spirit. Talk about an inspirational speaker who walks the walk!
The raffle followed, with happy winners of some amazing gift baskets. Then it was pie a
la mode for everyone. The Spring Fling was a big hit, and we thank the Board members
who made it happen!
