Jacquelyn (Jaci) Kazda Bush
Maplewood, MN
Class of 1969                 
Biology

Tell us about the work you do:  After graduating from St. Scholastica, I worked at 3M in St. Paul, MN, for over 33 years.  My positions involved research and development, communications, environmental/health/safety law, human resource development and diversity.  As a supposedly retired person, my life is blessedly full.  Currently, I teach management courses for The College of St. Scholastica ADEP Program in St. Paul.  I continue to be involved in numerous ministries (notably liturgy and adult formation) in my parish.

A source of pride in your life:  My daughter Courtney, who graduated from the College of St. Benedict and teaches K-8 music at St. Wenceslaus School in New Prague, MN.  On weekends she serves as principal accompanist in our home parish.  An accomplished musician and lover of quality liturgy, she is, more importantly, an attentive and compassionate professional. 

Best St. Scholastica memories:  Hours in labs and library; late nights in the stacks; tromping through the Valley of Silence without regard to the season; learning art and music for Western Culture; living at Sellwood Hall with Sister Mary Carol, Sister Sylvia and her parakeet, Luke.

Significant influences:  Sister Mary Odile Cahoon, a passionate educator who affirmed my interest in the biological sciences giving me a new appreciation for God’s creation, and who kindled my interest in teaching; Sister Agatha Riehl, who insisted that, indeed, we could learn organic chemistry and made it understandable and relevant to daily life; and Sister Alice Lamb whose admonition “when freshmen were bigger and better” challenged us to use our gifts and talents to the fullest.

Other achievements:  For 15 years I’ve been organizing an annual dinner (Hot August Night Out) for class alums that provides a reunion opportunity for 69ers.  Anyone who’d like to join us is most welcome!

Something interesting about your life:  From a spiritual perspective, being a Benedictine oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery, St. Paul, MN, has given me another community where I could grow and has provided opportunities to cantor Taize prayer and work in The Cloister Shop (my first and only retail experience).  From a secular perspective, I’m a Moody Blues groupie, having rediscovered the group again in the mid-80s.  Summer vacation has involved traveling to several concerts annually for a number of years now including a recent trip to New York City for a Radio City Music Hall concert.

Further education:   I have an M.A. in human resource management and additional coursework in environmental, health and safety law.

Philosophy:  “Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity” (J. Chittister) which reminds me that there is nothing in life that does not matter.