2011 Alumni Achievement Award

Michael E. Murphy '61

Mike Murphy credits hearing the monks talk about foreign educational and travel experiences with inspiring him to pursue international law. He went on to earn a law degree after teaching English at St. Olaf and Macalester Colleges. Eventually he was invited by Minneapolis firm Faegre & Benson to start up an international law practice for its corporate clients. He retired from Faegre & Benson in 2004 but continues to teach a Law in Literature class at the University of St. Thomas' Law School. He also tutors immigrant students in the St. Paul public schools.

While building his career and raising a family with his wife, Jane, Murphy has stayed involved at Saint John's. A former president of the Alumni Association, he quips: "I've been involved in so many class reunion committees over the years, this one seems like it must be our fiftieth!" 

George Nemanich '61

George Nemanich's surgical career has taken him all over the world. After completing his residency at the University of Minnesota, Nemanich served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in command of a surgical hospital in Vietnam.  Upon returning, he joined a surgical group in Minneapolis where he provided compassionate care for more than 30 years.

Nemanich and his wife, Ann, have four children-three Johnnies and a Bennie-and have taken medical missionary trips in recent years to Honduras, Guatemala and St. Lucia.  Nemanich now serves as medical director of a wound care institute in Edina, Minn.   

 Bob Weber '61

After graduating from SJU, Bob served on active duty with the U.S. Army in Germany. He married his wife, Carol, and they raised two children while Bob also completed 20 years with the Army reserves. He then went on to a successful career at Farmers Home Mutual Insurance Company, retiring in 1998 as executive vice president. He continued as a director of the company until 2005.

While the latest chapter in his story involves spending winters in Arizona and taking time for bridge, golf and grandchildren, one consistent theme runs throughout Bob's story: his passion for Saint John's. For years he has been a tireless volunteer for many class activities and events. One classmate deems him "the far too modest class agent."

Pat Maxwell '66

Pat Maxwell has many years of experience as a turnaround management specialist, an entrepreneur and executive in both the business and non-profit sectors. While serving as CEO, CFO, general counsel and on the board of directors of several corporations over the years, he has been a generous volunteer to many organizations.

Pat has served on the SJU Board of Regents, was president of the SJU Alumni Association and is currently on the Board of Overseers of Saint John's School of Theology∙Seminary. He is famous for his Benedictine hospitality. "Pat has invited classmates to informal reunions at his cabin near Saint John's as part of the annual Homecoming tradition," says a classmate. "I always leave these informal reunions with a sense of gratitude for the positive influence SJU has had on my life. Pat is the embodiment of the Johnnie spirit that makes us all feel like members of the extended Saint John's family."

Tony Biebl '71

Tony Biebl retired in 2002 as senior vice-president after a successful 21-year career with Clorox. Biebl has been generous to SJU with his time, talent and treasure, serving on several committees and leadership teams. He has recruited countless new donors and volunteers through his work with the National Consultation Team and as the Fellows Class Chair. 

As one classmate states, "Tony exemplifies what it means to be a Johnnie. He cares about others, has had outstanding success in his career and is a down-to-earth, friendly guy."

 Dan McGlynn '76

Dan McGlynn fully embodies the Benedictine value of community that encompasses Saint John's. He successfully collaborated with his family in their business, McGlynn Bakeries. He worked with many organizations that supported the bakery industry, family business and the underserved in Minneapolis and St. Paul. And he has been a leader in many aspects of SJU, serving on the Board of Regents, volunteering for his class committee and capital campaigns, and encouraging the coordinate relationship with CSB. McGlynn's willingness to share his experience coping with the bone marrow disorder myelodysplasia has provided education and inspiration to many.

Chris Coborn '81

Chris Coborn is the president and CEO of Coborn's, Inc., which owns grocery, liquor and video stores, and pharmacies throughout the upper Midwest. Coborn promotes a culture of leadership through community involvement both in his business and personal life. In June, he was recognized with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 Midwest Award in the retail category.

He has encouraged civic involvement among his employees and led several initiatives to address social need, including the Coborn Family Scholarship Fund at CSB/SJU.  Few organizations in Central Minnesota have not benefitted in some way from Coborn's leadership and generosity. Coborn currently serves on the SJU Board of Regents, and he and his wife, Becky CSB '81, are proud parents of a CSB alumna and two SJU students.

 Joe Vaughan '86

Joe Vaughan is credited by a classmate as being "the consistent thread that keeps the class of 1986 connected."  Vaughan is usually the first to reach out to a classmate who is experiencing a personal triumph or tragedy, and he organizes an annual golf weekend for classmates now tabbed the "SJU Ryder Cup." Vaughan has been a successful development officer for several years but always finds time to volunteer in his church and community and spend time with his wife and two children. "Joe exemplifies all that is good about SJU, which taught us to take care of those around us in order to make the broader world a better place," says a classmate.

Robb Neuenschwander '91

In 2000, Robb Neuenschwander, an avid University of Minnesota Gopher basketball fan, was sitting in his season ticket seats frustrated that so many seats were empty for a sport he loves. He combined two of his passions-basketball and children in need-and founded a non-profit called Tix for Tots. Neuenschwander, a mentor for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, founded the organization with the idea that ticket holders could donate their tickets to children and mentors so they could attend a sporting event they otherwise could not afford.  Tix for Tots now includes art and cultural events and has 350 non-profit partners. Neuenschwander serves as president, and in 2010, celebrated the 300,000^th ticket given to a Twin Cities child in need.