Mayor Richard M. Daley and Maggie Daley attend SXU luncheon

(From left to right) Mayor Richard M. Daley, Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D, and Margaret Corbett Daley attend an Honorary Degree Luncheon on Saturday, May 17 in the Butler Reception Room at SXU’s Chicago Campus. “Maggie” Daley is first lady of Chicago and provides leadership and service to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. She spoke at SXU’s undergraduate commencement ceremony and received a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa.
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Contact Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

Indian Sisters of the Holy Cross graduate from SXU

Five Sisters will continue pursuing master’s degrees

(From left to right) Sr. Shereen Thomas, Sr. Bindu George, Sr. Udaya Kuzhivelil, Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., Sr. Metty Lawrence and Sr. Jolly Jose pose at SXU’s graduation ceremony on May 17.

Chicago (May 21, 2008) Five members of the Sisters of the Holy Cross from India graduated on Saturday, May 17 from Saint Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

Sr. Shereen Thomas, Sr. Bindu George, Sr. Udaya Kuzhivelil, Sr. Metty Lawrence and Sr. Jolly Jose all received bachelor’s degrees in nursing from SXU’s School of Nursing.

The Sisters, who were sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, will stay at SXU to pursue master’s degrees before returning to India.

Margaret Corbett Daley spoke at SXU’s undergraduate commencement at 11 a.m. in the SXU Shannon Center. She received a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa. “Maggie” is the first lady of Chicago and chair of the Board of Directors of After School Matters, an umbrella organization for out-of-school programs. She provides leadership and service to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations.

James J. McDonough spoke at SXU’s 3 p.m. commencement and received a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa. McDonough is Chairman of the Board and CEO of McDonough Associates, Incorporated, an engineering/architectural consulting firm. He is a former SXU Board of Trustees Chairman and was elected a Life Trustee in 1998. McDonough also provides leadership and service to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s Board.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

SXU alum wins Golden Apple teaching award

John Nieciak of Mount Greenwood holds three SXU degrees

Chicago (May 20, 2008) Saint Xavier University graduate John Nieciak was one of 10 Chicago-area teachers honored with the 23rd Annual Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching in Grades 4 through 8. Nieciak is the sixth Saint Xavier graduate to receive the Golden Apple Award since its inception in 1986.

The Golden Apple Foundation, which is dedicated to recognizing and developing excellence in teaching, will honor the winners at an award ceremony on Sept. 6 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The ceremony will be aired later as a one-hour prime-time special on WTTW/Channel 11.

Nieciak, of Mount Greenwood, holds three degrees from SXU — a Bachelor’s in English, a Master’s in education and a reading specialist certificate. He is a reading and language arts teacher at Mark Sheridan Math and Science Academy in Evergreen Park.

“I received this for 20 years of working every day to perfect my craft … It’s about seeking support and guidance from experts and then bringing that expertise to the classroom,” Nieciak said. “It keeps me renewed.”

A total of 850 teachers from Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will were nominated for the award with. 31 finalists named in January.

Each of the 10 Golden Apple Award winners will receive a tuition-free spring-term sabbatical at Northwestern University, a personal computer from IBM, $3,000 and membership in the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, which now has inducted 220 expert teachers who work together to ensure that all children have the excellent instruction they deserve.

The Awards Selection Committee is comprised of distinguished Chicago-area educators. Two selection committee members observed each of the 31 finalists in their classroom and interviewed their principal and selected colleagues, parents and students.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

SXU dedicates Smith-Morris Quad to honor donors

Ceremony honored James A. Morris and Patricia A. (Smith) Morris

(From left to right) SXU Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas Chomicz, Patricia A. (Smith) Morris, James A. Morris and President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D, at the dedication ceremony of the Smith-Morris Quadrangle.

Chicago (May 20, 2008) Saint Xavier University honored donors James A. Morris and Patricia A. (Smith) Morris, ’83, by dedicating the Smith-Morris Quadrangle on May 14.

“Jim and Trish Morris have been among the most dedicated supporters and generous donors in the history of the University,” said President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. “We are pleased to honor them for their commitment to the mission and core values of Saint Xavier University.”

The Morrises, who reside in Park Ridge, have given generously to the University. They have chaired the President’s Scholarship Ball and annually sponsor the Shield of Saint Xavier, the University’s highest honor. They have contributed to a growing culture of giving among students through their matching support of the annual senior class gift.

Jim Morris volunteered for leadership roles in capital campaign efforts. Patricia Morris served as a faculty member from 1987 to 1996 in the psychology department. She has been a trustee since 2001 and serves as chair of the trusteeship committee and vice-chair of the SXU Board of Trustees.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

SXU students complete Pastoral Ministry program

Four students awarded certificates

(From left) Carina Spendel, Helene Albano, Michael Fekete and Octavio Trejo Flores pose for a photo after receiving their Pastoral Ministry certificates from Saint Xavier University.

Chicago (May 16, 2008) Four Saint Xavier University students were awarded undergraduate and graduate Pastoral Ministry certificates during a ceremony on May 8 at SXU’s McDonough Chapel & Mercy Ministry Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

Michael Fekete of Oak Lawn received a graduate certificate in Pastoral Studies. Carina Spendel of Cincinnati, Ohio, Helene Albano of Oak Lawn and Octavio Trejo Flores of Chicago completed undergraduate minors in pastoral ministry.


“We are very proud these students have chosen to deepen their understanding of ministerial theology in order to better serve a variety of ministries in the future,” said SXU Professor of Religious Studies Avis Clendenen, who serves as faculty in the Pastoral Ministry Institute.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

Saint Xavier University Relations wins Publicity Club of Chicago

Chicago (May 15, 2008)--Saint Xavier University's Office for University Relations was awarded a Golden Trumpet Award from the Publicity Club of Chicago for excellence in the category of “Non-profit Annual Reports.”

The SXU entry was one of more than 200 submitted from throughout the Midwest. The 2007 annual report titled, “Success with Purpose,” tells stories of how members of the Saint Xavier community benefit from the Eight Strategic Directions and experience success with purpose. The annual report was written by Melissa Fraterrigo, senior editor, and designed by Andrea Vehe, publications director.

The award was presented during the Publicity Club of Chicago’s 49th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 9, at The Palmer House Hilton. The ceremony honored the creative and innovative programming performed by public relations and communications professionals in Chicago.

“I am proud of the commitment to excellence by our University Relations staff,” said Saint Xavier President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. “We have a first-class team of public relations professionals dedicated to telling the story of our University.”

The nation’s largest independent public relations organization, the Publicity Club of Chicago awards the Golden Trumpet Award for excellence in planning, creativity and execution to corporate and nonprofit organizations in the Midwest.

Photo from left to right: Andrea Vehe, SXU publications director and Melissa Fraterrigo, SXU senior editor.

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Saint Xavier University’s accreditation from Higher Learning Commission continues

Chicago (May 15, 2008)—Saint Xavier University has received formal notification from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that its continued accreditation was approved.

During Nov. 5 to 7, 2007, an HLC eight-member team visited with SXU trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, students and alumni at both the Chicago and Orland Park campuses. The site visit was the culmination of two years of self-evaluation undertaken by the University for the purpose of seeking reaccreditation and continuous quality improvement.

“I wish to congratulate and thank everyone who assisted with the self study process, the report and the site visit of the HLC Team,” said SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.

At its meeting on April 28, 2008, the HLC’s Institutional Actions Council (ICA) voted to continue the accreditation of Saint Xavier University. The Commission Board of Trustees validated the IAC action through its validation process that concluded on May 8, 2008.

“I commend President Dwyer for leading such a thorough process of self-study,” said SXU Board of Trustees Chair Thomas Chomicz.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Joe Moore
773-298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu

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