Saint Mary's College hosts spring 2018 Shannon Scholar

May 14, 2018 (Notre Dame, Ind.) — Saint Mary’s College welcomed alumna Laura Bianchi Eikenmeyer ’93 back to campus as the Shannon Scholar for spring 2018. She participated in professionally-related classes and meeting with students and faculty on April 9 -10.  

Eikenmeyer graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1993 with Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies and English. After graduating from Saint Mary’s, she received her master’s in communications from Pepperdine University in California, and her PhD in Educational Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago.

In 2008, Eikenmeyer founded the Urban Child Academy, a preschool located in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, which she and her husband, David, co-own. A second academy in the Old Town neighborhood is currently being opened. The mission of the academy is to provide an exceptional education that is based on research in contemporary early childhood development theory. Their goal is to inspire Chicago's youngest residents to develop a love of learning that lasts a lifetime, guided by their vision to foster a community where children develop the skills necessary to excel in the primary grades and throughout their lives. They execute this concept through classroom and field investigations, which explore Chicago's world-class urban resources. 

During her visit to Saint Mary’s Eikenmeyer participated in an educational psychology class and met with students interested in the education profession. She toured the College’s Learning Tree Center and the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) pre-school academy located on campus.

In addition to the Urban Child Academy, Eikenmeyer is also co-owner and CEO of Refractory Services Corporation. The company was founded by her father in 1979 and makes stirs for liquid steel that can withstand head up to 3000° F as well as other castables, precast shapes, pressed shapes, and injection lance technologies.  Prior to becoming the CEO, Eikenmeyer held a Vice President of Administration and Finance and a Purchasing Manager positions at the company.

Patricia K. Doyle, Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations at Saint Mary’s stated that Eikenmeyer is a wonderful embodiment of what an alumna can do with a Saint Mary’s education. 

“We were pleased to welcome Laura back to campus as the spring 2018 Shannon Scholar.” Doyle noted, “Laura has had a successful ‘dual career’ following her passions and leading business endeavors across industry lines. Her experience demonstrates to our students how your passions can lead you to unique paths.”

About the Shannon Scholars Program: The Shannon Scholars Program, established by a generous gift from Professor William N. Shannon and his wife Bonnie, is a program at Saint Mary's College that invites exceptional alumnae back to campus to share their experiences with students, faculty, staff, and the local community.