Monday, October 29, 2007

The Honorable William M. Daley to receive Shield of Saint Xavier; Honor to be presented at President’s Scholarship Ball, April 12, 2008

Chicago (Oct. 29, 2007) – Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce William M. Daley will receive the Shield of Saint Xavier at the 23rd Annual President’s Scholarship Ball on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at the Hilton Chicago.

“The Shield of Saint Xavier is the University’s highest distinction. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and service to the greater Chicago community, especially to the city’s Catholic institutions,” wrote SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., in her letter of invitation to Daley. “We believe that your leadership and service to our nation and to this city, your life and achievements exemplify the ideals of Saint Francis Xavier, Mother Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.”

Daley became the head of JPMorgan Chase’s Office of Corporate Social Responsibility in June 2007, overseeing and coordinating the firm’s global strategy and efforts in government affairs, public policy, charitable giving, and environmental and community affairs. He also continues his roles as the firm's Vice Chairman, Chairman of the Midwest Region and as Chairman of JPMorgan Chase Foundation.

Daley joined JPMorgan Chase in May 2004 after serving as President of SBC Communications for three years. In 2000, he coordinated the effort for permanent Normal Trade Relations with China and chaired Vice President Al Gore's presidential campaign.

Daley served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Clinton from 1997 to 2000, overseeing a department of more than 40,000 people. As Special Counsel to President Clinton in 1993, Daley coordinated the successful campaign to pass the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

He serves on the Boards of Directors of Abbott Laboratories and The Boeing Company. He also serves on the boards of The Art Institute of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Loyola University, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University. He also is the Chair of the Economic Club of Chicago and serves on the boards of Council on Foreign Relations and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. He earned an LL.B. from John Marshall Law School and a

B.A. from Loyola University in Chicago.

Past Shield of Saint Xavier honorees include Edward M. Burke (2007), Richard H. Driehaus (2006), Joanne and Arthur Velasquez (2005), James and Ellen O’Connor (2004), and Sister Rosemary Connelly, R.S.M. (1999). Four of Daley’s family members have been Shield recipients, including his father, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley (1989), his brother and sister-in-law, Mayor Richard M. and Maggie Daley (1990), and his sister, Patricia Daley Martino (1995).

The President’s Scholarship Ball has raised millions of dollars for the President’s Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to Saint Xavier’s most deserving students.

The black-tie event is open to the public. For information or reservations please contact (773) 298-3311 or specialevents@sxu.edu with “President’s Scholarship Ball” in the subject line.
For media inquiries, please contact Joe Moore, director of media relations, at (773) 298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu.

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

-SXU-

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn speaks at SXU Squeaky Weal lecture series

Chicago (Oct. 25, 2007) – Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will speak at Saint Xavier University’s 2007–08 Squeaky Weal lecture series at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at Saint Xavier’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

His lecture, “Civic Responsibilities in Turbulent Times,” is free and open to the public and will be held in McGuire Hall, located in the Warde Academic Center. After the lecture, Quinn will answer questions from the audience.

In theory and practice, Quinn believes that elected officials are public servants. As lieutenant governor of Illinois, he advances the cause of taxpayers and consumers and advocates environmental stewardship, support for members of the armed services and their families, and decent health care for all. His office provides a wide range of services to military families, soldiers on active duty and veterans, and maintains one of the nation’s most informative Web sites on supporting our troops.

Quinn holds degrees from Northwestern University School of Law and Georgetown University. In additional, his aunt, Sister Mary Lorita Quinn, R.S.M., was a Sister of Mercy and faculty member at Saint Xavier University for many years.

“We are delighted to have Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn join us for our Squeaky Weal lecture series,” said Sister Susan Sanders, R.S.M., Ph.D., vice president for University Mission and Heritage and director of the Center for Religion and Public Discourse. “This timely and relevant discussion of our civic responsibilities, as well as Quinn’s own Catholic background, will certainly make for a memorable evening in what has already been an exceptional lecture season at Saint Xavier.”

Saint Xavier’s Squeaky Weal lecture series explores the role of religion in civic life and the importance of being involved in civic and political issues. The series is sponsored by the Center for Religion and Public Discourse.

For more information about the lecture, please contact Kathy Mareska at (773) 298-3981 or mareska@sxu.edu, or visit http://www.sxu.edu/.

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

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

WXAV holds special year end Chicago Fire Show

Chicago (Oct. 23, 2007) – Saint Xavier University’s student radio station WXAV 88.3 FM will hold a special one-hour show of Chicago Fire Soccer Weekly Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m., celebrating a full season of covering the Chicago Fire soccer club.

The show will feature interviews with Chicago Fire goalie Matt Pickens and striker John Thorrington, a chat with other soccer media, and excerpts from the Fire's awards ceremony banquet.

The show will preview the playoff match between Chicago and DC United. The Fire qualified for the playoffs by beating David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 on Sunday.
WXAV and the Chicago Fire began their weekly radio partnership in May.

“This partnership with the Chicago Fire has been an incredible opportunity for our students to maintain a working relationship with a world class professional sports club,” said WXAV program director Angelo Bonadonna.

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

Friday, October 19, 2007

Contemporary Mosaics on display in SXU Gallery; Exhibit opens Oct. 31 at Saint Xavier University

Chicago (Oct. 19, 2007) – Saint Xavier University will showcase the mosaics of artist Chris Zonta in “Beyond the Surface: Contemporary Mosaics,” which opens Wednesday, Oct. 31, in the SXU Gallery at Saint Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The exhibit, which runs through Nov. 20, will display Zonta’s handcrafted mosaics. Incorporating materials such as glass, beads, rocks and other found objects, she compares the design process to the childhood emotion of wonder.

“Although the glimmer, glaze, rich bold colors and positive aura have been the message of my work in the past, my subject matter is reflecting more personal and spiritual issues, and expressing those ideas is as compelling as it is challenging,” Zonta said. “My art and life continue to merge in deeply gratifying ways.”


Zonta earned her bachelor’s in applied behavioral science/social work from George Williams College in Downers Grove. She teaches the process of mosaic making to children and adults throughout the Chicagoland area. She designed the Mosaic Art Program that teaches elementary school students about the history, materials, tools and techniques used while creating a permanent mosaic mural for their school environment.

An opening reception and lecture by Zonta will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 31, in the SXU Gallery in the Warde Academic Center. Both the lecture and exhibit are free and open to the public.

The exhibit is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. The SXU Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, please contact the Saint Xavier University art department at (773) 298-3081.

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

Saint Xavier University wins 3rd place in 2007 Mayor’s Landscape Awards program

Chicago (Oct. 19, 2007) – Saint Xavier University won 3rd place in the Specialized Gardens category of the 2007 Mayor’s Landscape Awards program for Mary’s Circle, located on the west side of the Warde Academic Center.

The 51st Annual Mayor’s Landscape Awards Program is the city’s way of acknowledging the individuals, businesses, community groups, schools and other public institutions who contribute their time and energy to making Chicago the greenest in the nation.

Chicago’s motto, “Urbs in Horto,” translates into City in a Garden. Throughout Chicago’s 170-year history, its people have treasured the many green spaces that enrich people’s lives, help soften urban edges, reduce noise and stress, create quiet places for reflection, provide opportunities for positive social interaction and increase property values.

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

Angelo Bonadonna SXU Student Laureate of Lincoln Academy of Illinois

Chicago (Oct. 19, 2007)–Saint Xavier University has selected senior Angelo Bonadonna to receive the 2007 Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate Award. The award is granted each fall to an outstanding senior from each four-year, degree-granting institution of higher learning in Illinois.

Bonadonna, of Berwyn, was chosen for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Currently enrolled in a rigorous honors program, he maintains a 3.54 grade point average and majors in psychology and communication. One senior faculty member identifies Angelo as "clearly one of our strongest communication majors."
Bonadonna participates in numerous co-curricular activities including WXAV 88.3 FM, student government, new student orientation and peer mentoring.

Bonadonna began his radio career as a volunteer producer and has since moved into management. He serves as program director and has been instrumental in developing WXAV sports programming—including live broadcasts of home football and basketball games. The Illinois Broadcast Association recently awarded Bonadonna first place for best sports broadcast in statewide competition that included Division I schools.

Bonadonna has served the university as freshman orientation leader, warmly welcoming students and parents to the university community. He has also served as a peer mentor to newly arrived students.

In summer 2007, Bonadonna took a leave of absence from WXAV to volunteer with the Global Service Corps in Tanzania, Africa. While there, he served as HIV/AIDS awareness/prevention educator. Traveling to a different village each week, he taught audiences about the dangers of the disease and how to avoid contracting it.

"Angelo Bonadonna exhibits the core values of Saint Xavier University, especially his service in support of human dignity and compassion for those in need," said Barbara Costello, assistant vice president for Student Affairs. "Along with academic and co-curricular excellence, he clearly demonstrates the qualities of the Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award."

Bonadonna will be recognized at an October 27 award ceremony in the Hall of Representatives of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill.

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

Thursday, October 18, 2007

SXU’s Gerald Giovannelli earns LEED AP certification

Strengthens Saint Xavier University’s practice of environmental stewardship

Chicago (Oct. 18, 2007) – Saint Xavier University is pleased to announce that Plant Operations and Maintenance Manager Gerald Giovannelli has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Giovannelli passed the LEED AP examination on the first attempt, scoring higher than 90 percent. This achievement places him among the elite, nationwide, who pass the exam on their first try. A Chicago native, Giovannelli has served as plant operations manager at Saint Xavier for more than two years. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and is completing his master's degree in project management at the SXU Graham School of Management.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED professional accreditation distinguishes individuals with detailed knowledge of LEED project certification requirements and processes and a command of integrated design principles. LEED accreditation is awarded to building industry practitioners who successfully demonstrate these proficiencies on a comprehensive exam.

The accreditation is one of the many steps Saint Xavier University is taking to practice environmental stewardship, meet The College and University Presidents Climate Commitment requirements, and enact Illinois Sustainable University Compact standards.

A leader in green practices, Saint Xavier recently became Illinois’ first university to receive the LEED Gold designation from the U.S. Green Building Council for its newest residence hall, Arthur Rubloff Hall.

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

Monday, October 15, 2007

“Forensic Radiology-Dead Men Do Tell Tales”

John T. Farrell Sr. Fall 2007 Forum slated for Oct. 30

Chicago (Oct. 15, 2007) – John J. Fitzpatrick, M.D., will discuss forensic radiology from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, in Saint Xavier University’s Butler Reception Room, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The lecture, titled “Forensic Radiology-Dead Men Do Tell Tales,” is part of the Fall 2007 John T. Farrell Sr. Forum of Saint Xavier’s Renaissance Academy. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Forensic radiology is a specialized area of medical imaging using radiological techniques that assist physicians and pathologists in matters pertaining to legal procedure. Please note: A slideshow with very graphic pictures will accompany Fitzpatrick’s lecture.


Fitzpatrick holds degrees from the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine and is currently a volunteer physician at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. He has worked on the cases of Josef Mengele, the Six Jesuits in El Salvador, the Oklahoma bombings and the John Wayne Gacy case.

Questions will be taken following the presentation. For more information, please contact the Renaissance Academy at (773) 298-3149.


The Renaissance Academy is a collegial association of retired and semi-retired men and women who share learning experiences and intellectual growth in a friendly, relaxed academic setting. Enrollment is open to all who believe in the importance of pursuing lifelong learning opportunities. Classes are peer-facilitated and include topics like philosophy, history, literature, current events, poetry and computer technology. The Renaissance Academy is affiliated with the Elderhostel Institute, which is devoted to lifelong learning and intellectual stimulation for senior citizens.


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

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Ceremony held Friday Oct. 5 for Academic Distinguished Alumni Awards; Saint Xavier University recognizes alumni and awards student scholarship



College of Arts and Sciences Dean Kathy Alaimo, SXU Provost Dominick J. Hart; School of Education Dean Beverly Gulley; Student Alyson Kelley ‘08, David Hollander ’89; Hope L. Flack ’78; SXU President Judith A. Dwyer; Judith E. Hicks ’69; Interim School of Nursing Dean Kay Thurn; John Benish, Jr. ’98; Graham School of Management Dean James D. Brodzinsky.

Chicago (Oct. 9, 2007) – Saint Xavier University recognized four alumni for their professional and personal accomplishments and their support of the University’s core values during a ceremony Friday evening at its Chicago campus. A student also received the School of Education’s McGuire Award scholarship during the ceremony.

Judith Hicks ’69, of Wilmette, received the Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award whose recipients demonstrate outstanding commitment to patients/clients, utilize innovative approaches to health care, and enhance the image and future of nursing through research and scholarship. Hicks is the founder and former president of Focused Health Solutions, a Deerfield-based national provider of customized health services dedicated to reducing employer healthcare costs, improving the lives of employees and their families and creating a healthier, productive workforce. Hicks was also recognized for her dedicated work as a nurse and manager at Mercy, Northwestern and Children’s Memorial hospitals. She and her husband, Laurence, recently donated $100,000 to fund a scholarship for nursing students at Saint Xavier University.

Hope L. Flack ’78, of Morgan Park, received the College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award. Recipients of this award demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and critical inquiry, responsible citizenship and conscientious practice in professional or community endeavors. Flack is vice president for Legal Compliance at Grosvenor Capital Management L.P., a privately held financial services firm with more than $13 billion in assets. She is also a member of the Illinois Bar Association. She has served on the Saint Xavier University President’s Advisory Council and is currently Chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Council. Flack is dedicated to many other civic, cultural and charitable organizations, including the St. Francis Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Salvation Army, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, the Beverly Arts Center and Amnesty International.

David Hollander ’89, of Naperville, received the School of Education’s George K. McGuire Award. This award celebrates the characteristics of former Education Center Director George K. McGuire, who was known as a caring and humane person, a thoughtful speaker, a focused listener and a generous teacher. Since 1991, Hollander has taught at Kennedy Junior High School in Lisle, Ill. The Golden Apple Foundation recognized his outstanding achievements as an educator when he was named a Golden Apple Award Winner in 2005. Hollander is known for his enthusiasm for service as a coach, Cub master, and active volunteer in church, civic and community activities.

John Benish, Jr. ’98, of Downers Grove, received the Graham School of Management Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring the success of an alumnus in the business world, as well as dedication and commitment to the Graham School of Management and its student body. He is the chief operating officer of Cook-Illinois Corporation, the largest family-owned school bus company in Illinois. It is the parent corporation for 14 subsidiary companies that operate buses in Chicago and its suburbs. John is an active volunteer at Saint Xavier and serves as an adjunct faculty member for the Graham School at the Orland Park Campus as well.

SXU undergraduate student Alyson Kelley ’08 of Aurora was named the Student Scholarship recipient of the School of Education’s McGuire Award. Kelley is in the SXU elementary education program, where her nominators and professors praise her as a conscientious student who asks thoughtful questions, is considerate of the instructional needs of all students, and demonstrates leadership among her classmates and those whom she works with in field experiences.

For more information about the award winners, please contact Alumni and Parent Relations at (773) 298-3316.


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

Saint Xavier University presents Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards;Faculty member honored with Faculty Recognition Award


From left to right: SXU Communications Dept. Chair James Walker; Sr. Sheila Lyne, R.S.M. ’60,’65; SXU President Judith A. Dwyer; Alumni Association Board Member Laura Shallow ’78, ’86, ’03; Mary Lou Piazza ’96; Maurice E. Snell ’06.

Chicago– Saint Xavier University honored three alumni at its Chicago campus on Sunday with the annual Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards. A faculty member received the Faculty Recognition Award during the ceremony.

Sister Sheila Lyne, R.S.M. ’60, ’65, of Chicago, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Established in 1986, the award is presented to an alumna/us who exhibits the values of service, leadership, life-long learning and spirituality. Appointed in 1991 as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, Lyne was the first woman to hold the position as well as the first non-physician. As current president and chief executive officer of Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Lyne’s personal and professional achievements reflect the ideals of Saint Xavier.

Mary Lou Piazza ’96, of Oak Forest, received the Sister Dorothy Marie Peschon Award for serving as an exemplary volunteer and supporter of the University’s endeavors. For 11 years, Piazza has been the principal of Saint Phillip Neri Catholic School. She has been an active member of the Elementary Education Advisory Committee of the School of Education for many years. She welcomes SOE students into her school for field experience and clinical practice, assists in preparations for the NCATE accreditation visit, and serves as a key member of the external Advisory Committee of the Bishop John R. Gorman Institute for Leadership in Catholic Education.

Maurice E. Snell ’06, of Chicago, received the Faith in the Future Award honoring a student who graduated within the past 10 years and has achieved outstanding personal, professional or social accomplishments that reflect the ideals of Saint Xavier’s core values of service, leadership, lifelong learning and spirituality. Snell was named the Easter Seals national adult representative for overcoming difficulties with autism and becoming a Saint Xavier graduate. As an Easter Seals employee, he mentors many autistic children, coaching them based on his life experiences.

Eugenia McAvoy, assistant professor of communication, of Palos Hills, received the Faculty Recognition Award. Recipients embody the ideals of Saint Xavier University and exhibit the values of service, leadership, spirituality and a strong commitment to student welfare. In the spirit of public service, she has campaigned for both state and township offices, participating as a speechwriter, fundraiser and public relations strategist for several elected officials. She has served as a trainer/consultant to numerous organizations including Ameritech, R&S Industries, Wilson Learning Corporation, Communication Management Associates, and TOASTMASTERS: Evergreen Park Chapter.

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

More than 600 runners turn out for Annual Cougar 5K



Chicago (Oct. 9, 2007) – The 7th annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 6 was a huge success this year with more than 600 taking part.

The race started and finished at Saint Xavier’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St., and traveled through the heart of Evergreen Park. All participants received a long-sleeved T-shirt and a free ticket to the homecoming football game against Ohio Dominican College.

The top woman runner was Pam Blair with a time of 19.59 minutes. The top male runner was Richard Guitierrez with a time of 16:13 minutes, a new course record. To view all the race results, log onto http://www.cararuns.org/.

“We are very proud of the tremendous participation in this year’s Cougar 5k,” said Jennifer Kjos, facility manager of Saint Xavier’s Shannon Center. “In just a few years, this has become a south side tradition on Homecoming Weekend.”

Complimentary refreshments were provided before and after the race for all participants by Chartwells Dining Services, Cold Stone Creamery and Aquafina. Race participants also enjoyed free services such as chair massages, blood pressure checks and stretching.

Sponsors of the Run/Walk included Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon, Chartwells, Coldstone Creamery, OccuSport, Pepsi, Greenwood Chiropractic, SXU Alumni Association, Running for Kicks, Village of Evergreen Park, Gallagher Investments, Core Fitness and Physical Therapy, Foot and Ankle Clinics of America, GO Promotions, Jimmy Johns, Machon and Machon, Shannon Center members, and South Division Credit Union.

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


-SXU-

SXU dedicates “49ers Forest”


From left to right SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Jill Roggeveen (rear), and Joan Guilfoyle ’39.


Chicago (Oct. 9, 2007) – Saint Xavier University dedicated a grove of trees on its Chicago campus as “The 49ers Forest” on Sunday in honor of graduates of the University’s former location at 49th and Cottage Grove.

The dedication also recognized the efforts of Joan Guilfoyle ’39, who founded The 49ers alumnae group. Nearly 25 years ago, Guilfoyle began hosting an annual luncheon for graduates of the 49th and Cottage location. The lunch grew, mainly through word of mouth, from four to the more than 65 attendees this year.
For the 2007 49ers Luncheon, Guilfoyle purchased a sapling for each person in attendance. The trees were symbolic of the grove, which is located just to the north of Mary’s Circle. A marker reads: “In tribute to the women who attended Saint Xavier College at 49th and Cottage Grove Avenue.”

“Mrs. Guilfoyle is a beloved and integral volunteer who helps to build and rebuild the relationships between alumni and the University,” said SXU Vice president for Advancement Steven Murphy. “She is constantly thinking of ways to encourage involvement and participation from her classmates and peers.”

-SXU-

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

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Former Graham School of Managent Dean John Eber comments on managment style of Cubs' Lou Piniella

Click here to find former SXU Graham School of Management Dean and lifelong Cubs fan John Eber featured in Daily Southtown story about Lou Piniella’s management style.

In "Turnaround Lou makes Cubs a Winner," Eber notes that Piniella can turn his fiery temper on and off when appropriate to motivate and support his team.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Saint Xavier University implements Campus Alert System

Chicago – Saint Xavier University will implement a new Campus Alert System beginning today to text message student, faculty and staff cell phones in the event of a campus emergency.

This service will not be used for routine University communications. It will only be used to advise students and staff of an actual emergency such as dangerous situations on campus, tornados or campus closings.

Students, faculty and staff have been asked to verify cell phone information in order to receive text messages.

“Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer believes this campus alert system is needed in light of the tragic events at Virginia Tech University and Delaware State University,” said Calvin J. Williams, vice president for information resources and technologies. “The safety of our students, faculty and staff is paramount, and this technology allows us to communicate quickly in the event of a campus emergency.”


-SXU-

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