Neighbors in the news: Saint Mary of the Lake seminary names new provost

• Dr. Brian Schmisek was appointed provost at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

Dr. Schmisek, who has more than 25 years of educational and professional experience in Catholic higher education, is an experienced and successful academic leader with a reputation for advancing mission and growing programs.

He previously served as provost and dean of faculties at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota; dean and professor of the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University in Chicago; and was the founding dean of the School of Ministry at The University of Dallas.

"We are truly privileged to have Dr. Schmisek with us. His wide range of experience in Catholic higher education administration will prove invaluable as we continue to strive for better integration of the seminary with the diaconal and lay ministry programs at the university," said Fr. John Kartje, rector and president of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

A North Dakota native, Dr. Schmisek is also a published scholar and an award-winning author who writes materials accessible to lay audiences while being rooted in solid theological and biblical scholarship.

He earned his Ph.D. in biblical studies from The Catholic University of America.

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With more than 25 years experience in the Chicago area market, Buffalo Grove resident Jane F. Shifrin has joined American Community Bank & Trust as vice president of Commercial Lending.

A banking industry veteran, Shifrin has built strong connections throughout the Chicago area, helping businesses meet their financial and investment goals, providing customized lending solutions and offering expert guidance at critical times.

In addition to her commitment to community service, she is committed to the growth and success of each client relationship.

"Our talent selection weighs heavily on relationship building success because we desire long-term relationships with our clients," said Mike Bagley, executive vice president of Commercial Banking. "Jane has a proven track record of building advocates. We are very excited to have her join the commercial lending team."

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Lt. Cmdr. Brendan O'Brien of Lake Forest, a trauma surgeon assigned to the Combat Casualty Care and Operational Medicine Directorate, Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) in San Antonio, Texas, was promoted to the rank of commander in the U.S. Navy during a ceremony held at the Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Institute.

O'Brien joined the Navy in 2006. He is a graduate of Boston University School of Medicine, completing his residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

NAMRU San Antonio is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the Department of Defense, and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.

• The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C., hosted a charity event earlier this summer for the Food Pantry on Wheels program at All Saints Lutheran Church in Palatine. The event netted more than 85 pounds of peanut butter.

During the summer, without access to school breakfast and lunch, families in need struggle to ensure children receive adequate nutrition. Peanut butter is a commonly requested item at the mobile food pantry.

The all-volunteer Food Pantry on Wheels travels directly to different apartment communities on a rotating basis - relieving families of the burden of traveling to pick up food.

In addition to the peanut butter donation, Richardson made a $500 donation to purchase other pantry essentials needed to help Palatine families.

Since opening his office in 2009, Richardson has supported the community through various efforts, including awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors and supporting coat drives and the Palatine's Youth Hunger Opposition.

The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C., is a family law practice in Palatine.

• Submit 'Neighbor in the News' items to ntwohey@dailyherald.com.