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Alumnae Profiles
The College of Saint Benedict's Alumnae are the most interesting women in the world! Regardless of profession, our Alumnae are commited to their families, careers and communities. Enjoy learning more about these amazing women.
Deirdre Chione McCarrell Otis ‘00
Deirdre Chione McCarrell Otis ‘00
Major: Liberal Studies
Profession: Stay at Home Mom and owner of Deirdre’s Boutique – sells used children’s clothing on Ebay
Deirdre is the mother of 7 children – 3 are adopted and 4 are biological. James (8), Sailorann (6), John-Luke (6), Michael (5), Nathaniel (4), Mark (2) and Daisy (1). She is a stay-at-home mom AND runs Deirdre’s Boutique –selling used children’s clothing online. Deirdre has enjoyed growing her business and now ships world-wide, with a following of loyal customers in Germany and Hong Kong. Deirdre has had to learn how to say thank you in many different languages – that is important to her – to let her customers know she appreciates their business.
Deirdre has always wanted a large family with lots of kids. The decision to adopt made by both Deirdre and her husband, Sheff was intentional. They decided to adopt their first child before having one of their own. In making that decision, Deirdre explains why it was so important to both her and her husband to bring an adopted child into their home “there are so many babies out there waiting to be adopted. We wanted our first child to be adopted so that everyone understood how truly important this was to us.”
Deirdre talks about the life choices that both her and her husband made to make their family possible. She had an offer from Bergdorf Goodman as a buyer on the East Coast and Sheff was an actor in LA. He had a reoccurring role in “Malcolm in the Middle” and has been part of the cast for Charlie’s Angels and other smaller parts in recent years. There are definitely hard times, 7 kids in 8 years involves a lot of physical work and sacrifice in order to make it work in the family.
When asked about advice for women who have left the work force to stay at home, Deirdre responded, “Keep some irons in the fire – see if you can do some work from home – think about possible projects you can work on to keep your name floating around in fields you like and may want to return to someday – volunteer to keep the necessary skills needed to re-enter the workforce.”
Deirdre’s advice for families considering adoption: “Do your research. The adoption process has a lot to do with your adoption agency. Also, talk to your spouse and think about some of the limitations you may be faced with such as; a child with special needs, race issues and really address the issue of needing an infant versus being willing to adopt an older child. Think about what you need as a family. Finally, RELAX – you WILL fall in love with that child!” Deirdre admits being worried about the bonding process when adopting James who was 2 years old. When adopting a child this age, bonding can be an issue and because James was adopted from Russia, they had to learn an entirely new culture from the language to the food. Deirdre and Sheff also had to understand how children are raised in Russia.
For some funny insight into a typical day at the Otis household, check out their website www.sevensidekicks.com
Last book: “Three Men and a Body” by Stephanie Bond
Favorite Movie: “Three Weddings and a Funeral” AND “Love Actually”
Favorite Restaurant: Tan Popo – Sushi and Japanese cooking
Dr. Lisa M. Lust ‘90Major: Mathematics and Physics
Profession: Senior Research Scientist
Company: Honeywell International
Dr. Lisa Lust is a Senior Research Scientist at Honeywell International. Her expertise is in the areas of electromagnetic analysis, RF design, and integration. Since arriving at Honeywell in 2000 her research has focused in the areas of quantum physics and control electronics for MEMs atomic based sensors. Most recently she has developed the electronics for a Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC). In 2004, she received Honeywell’s Advanced Technology Achievement Award. And prior to coming to Honeywell, Dr. Lust was granted the distinction as a Junior Faculty Leader at the Georgia Tech Institute of Technology where she actively pursued research in the area of low observables.
Lisa came to Saint Ben’s knowing exactly what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Lisa comes from a family of scientists – so her natural inclination and desire was to get a degree in physics and mathematics. Lisa also knew she would go onto graduate school and did so, getting her PHD at the University of Minnesota in physics. She spent 5 years as faculty at Georgia Tech in Atlanta prior to working at Honeywell.
Saint Ben’s did indeed shape Lisa on her path. She feels that a young woman’s time at college is where many of them are getting an underpinning of their education and also a better sense of who they are gets developed. While Lisa never questioned what she was doing at Saint Ben’s – she never felt undermined or threatened by her choices. Young people are very impressionable when they enter college. Lisa feels that the interaction between faculty and students at CSB is respectful and truly sets the standard of what an educational experience should be.
Lisa’s favorite time at Saint Ben’s was her first experience as a freshman in her physics class with Dr. Dan Steck. Coming from a smaller school, she had never had the opportunity to take advanced math and science classes. Lisa truly enjoyed her entire freshman year and the academic experiences she could now participate in.
When asked about her advice to students, Lisa responded, “You are done when YOU say you are done. No one can tell you to quit. If you want something – go for it – even if it seems out of reach or unattainable – only you can decide when it is time to quit.”
Last book: “Story of Edgar Sawtelle”
Favorite Restaurant: Dairy Queen
Favorite Movie: First Star Wars Trilogy
Marlys Hauser Schmitt ‘85
Marlys Hauser Schmitt ‘85
Major: Business Administration
Current Profession: Corporate Insurance Manager/Consultant
Company: Expense Reduction Analysts – based in California
Marlys recently began working for Expense Reduction Analysts, working from her home in Hastings. She is a parent/step-parent to 4 boys and 2 girls and is currently a volunteer on the Alumnae Council for the College of Saint Benedict.
Marlys has been in the insurance industry for 23 years. She worked for 11 years at St. Paul Travelers Insurance Company, four years at Wells Fargo & Co. and 5 years at the YMCA. In Marlys’ current position, she helps companies look at their insurance costs and to see if she can help them save money. She is an expert at cost reduction in the insurance industry and recently helped a well known non-profit save 25% in their insurance premiums. One of the problems companies get into when working with insurance companies is that they have no idea how the broker is being paid and many times, their compensation is not negotiated and not easy to find when analyzing the expenses. This is where Marlys comes in to review and help companies understand all of the areas they could be saving money. Benefits and programs are analyzed to see if they are set up to benefit the customer OR the Insurance Broker. Recently, Marlys helped Yellowbook save $1.2 million by analyzing their merchant card system.
One of the challenges Marlys faces in this current position, even though working from home has allowed her more flexibility and less time commuting – she struggles with being “at work” all of the time. Work is always there and it is very important to have structured time off.
Marlys’ advice to other alums and students: “Whatever profession you are in or considering, find opportunities to continuously learn and educate yourself. Never stop learning – it will pay off in the long run. Employers will look upon that favorably”.
When asked – why this profession? Marlys likes this work because it challenges her and the financial rewards are greater than other positions. She has autonomy and freedom “Isn’t that what everyone aspires to? Work hard and have flexibility in your career and lifestyle?”
Favorite Restaurant: Pazzalcina and Mississippi Belle in Hastings
Last book you read: Pope Benedict
Favorite Movie: “Bells of Saint Mary” with Bing Crosby
If you would like to contact Marlys directly: mschmitt@expensereduction.com
Kelly Scanlan ‘94
Major: Government
Company/Position: Outreach Director (environment and transportation issues) – Senator Amy Klobuchar – State office
Kelly Scanlan is the Outreach Director on Environment and Transportations issues for Senator Amy Klobuchar’s State Office. Kelly describes her favorite part of the job is to plan events and take care of the details associated with all of the various meetings such as press events for Senator Klobuchar. Kelly describes her work, “Being in politics is exciting, interesting but also very unpredictable. There are lots of ups and downs.”
Kelly’s advice to other alums or students considering this field/profession, “Working for elected officials is a very unique job – you get to do amazing and interesting things you’d never get to do in any other job, but it is also very demanding in ways that other jobs aren’t. Most people ask how to get hired to work for an elected official – and often the best way is to work or volunteer on a campaign or to intern in their office.”
Upon graduating in 1994, Kelly worked in the Saint Ben’s admissions office for a year and then attended Grad school at the Humphrey Institute. During the time she was in her Master’s program, Kelly still didn’t know what she was interested in, “I couldn’t have even imagined that jobs like the one I currently have existed.” After graduate school, Kelly began working for Common Hope which is a non-profit started by a Johnnie that does development work in Guatamala. She then shifted to the policy arena and worked on Betty McCullum’s 2002 re-election campaign – and then got hired into her Minnesota office, which is where she worked for 3 years.
In addition to her job working in Senator Klobuchar’s office, Kelly is a community volunteer. She serves on the board of Hands On Twin Cities and is also involved with Common Hope, where she used to work. Kelly also volunteers as a mentor at the Humphrey Institute and is exploring volunteer opportunities at Saint Ben’s.
Balancing work and family is always challenging. Kelly has been able to negotiate a 4 day work week which works well for her family – giving her an extra day to do activities with her 17 month old daughter, Ginger. “Work days are tough – it doesn’t leave a lot of play time with a little one, but you make it work. I was lucky enough to be home with Ginger for almost a year – and wouldn’t have traded that for the world.”
Kelly believes that Saint Ben’s has prepared her for a life in public policy. “A good liberal arts education is about being exposed to a variety of things, being able to learn about lots of new things quickly, being a good communicator – both verbal and written is important.” Kelly’s favorite memory from Saint Ben’s is the great friendships, which continue today and which are such an important part of her life.
Kelly’s advice to current students is to take advantage of the opportunities at CSB/SJU – study abroad, take interesting classes, make good relationships with professors (you will want to keep those relationships later in life), and know that the CSB/SJU network of alums is invaluable for networking and careers.
Last Book: “Eclipse” and President-elect Obama’s book, “Dreams from my Father”
Favorite Movie: “Much Ado about Nothing” and one that brings back great college memories, “When Harry Met Sally”
Favorite Restaurant: Muffuletta in St. Paul
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