Nursing student Lynda Garrison graduates on ABC7 Chicago

Saint Xavier held its Winter Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 20, in the Shannon Athletic Center, and ABC7 Chicago was on hand to capture SXU School of Nursing student Lynda Garrison, of Riverdale, receive her B.S.N.

In October 2007, Garrison won the "Swan House," a home in south suburban Riverdale that Chris Swan and ABC7's Jim Rose helped build. The idea behind the program was to build a home for a single mother pursuing her college education.

The journey came full circle as Garrison received her bachelor’s.

Contact:

Joe Moore

Director, Media Relations

(773) 203-6671

SXU Associate Provost Dale Fast interviewed by CBS Chicago

CBS Chicago television reporter Kristyn Hartman interviewed Saint Xavier University Associate Provost Dale Fast today outside of the Warde Academic Center.

The story about the possible effect of the economy on enrollments at American universities will most likely appear at some point over the next three days.

Saint Xavier featured on Association of the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education site

A Saint Xavier University Student tends the 1,000 roof garden on top of Arthur Rubloff Hall, the first university building in the state of Illinois to receive a LEED Gold designation for green construction practices.

Saint Xavier University is the spotlight campus this week for the Association of the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

Click http://www.aashe.org/ to learn more about AASHE or go to http://greencampus.sxu.edu/ to learn more about Saint Xavier's many green efforts, including the construction of Illinois' first University building to receive the LEED Gold Designation from the U.S. Green Building Council and the GreenBike share program.

For more information, contact:
Joe Moore
Director, Media Relations
(773) 298-3937

Mother Agatha O’Brien Hall receives ASHRAE award for green innovations

Photo from left to right: Bradley Schnee, Project Architect, Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB); Todd Czworniak, Asst. Project Mechanical Engineer, Environmental Systems Design (ESD); Caroline Wolske, Asst. Project Architect, SCB; Michael McDermott, Senior Project Engineer, ESD; Paul J. Matthews, Asst VP Facilities Management Owner Representative, Saint Xavier University; and John Hill, ASHRAE Illinois Chapter President.

Chicago (Dec. 21, 2008) The Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. presented Saint Xavier University and Environmental Design Systems with a 2008 Excellence in Engineering Award for the design of Saint Xavier’s newest student residence facility, Mother Agatha O’Brien Hall. The annual awards recognize achievements in the design of new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and retrofits.

Dedicated in October 2008, O’Brien Hall is Saint Xavier’s second residence hall using the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design “green building” approach. The hall was built to LEED Gold designation standards, which requires a number of sustainable strategies protecting the Earth’s natural resources be incorporated in its construction. In 2007, Saint Xavier’s Arthur Rubloff Hall received an Illinois Chapter ASHRAE award as well as the coveted LEED Gold designation in 2007, becoming the first university building in the state of Illinois to receive the LEED Gold distinction.

“Saint Xavier University’s second Illinois ASHRAE Excellence in Engineering Award is a testament to the University’s commitment to sustainability,” said Paul Matthews, assistant vice president of facilities management at Saint Xavier. “We will continue our efforts to achieve climate neutrality, which include green building practices, our new GreenBike sharing program and our Greenhouse Gas Audit for the Presidents Climate Commitment.”

The Illinois Chapter awards have recognized outstanding engineering performance for more than 30 years, beginning during the country’s first energy crisis in the early 1970s.

The architectural firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz and Associates provided designs for the building. The firm designed three previous residence halls for Saint Xavier, including Rubloff Hall. The construction management firm is Henry Bros. Co. Terra Civil Engineering conducted civil engineering. Environmental Systems Design, Inc. provided a mechanical engineering design.

The energy-efficient 36,664 square-foot residence hall is the sixth co-ed residence hall on the Chicago campus. It was designed to use both natural and mechanical ventilation, with a 50-foot high circular glass stair tower drawing tempered air to assist in summer night pre-cooling and winter heating.

The building uses 100 percent “Green-e” Power from mixed renewable energy products to carbon offset all electrical energy consumed in the residence. The roof features a solar reflection system, the rain garden filters roof water runoff and the indoor air quality in the student rooms is significantly above ASHRAE standards.

O’Brien Hall will now be submitted for a regional ASHRAE award.

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Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, Saint Xavier University was the first Mercy college in the United States and is Chicago’s oldest Catholic university. Serving approximately 5,700 students at its campuses in Chicago, Orland Park and its Loop location, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors; more than 40 graduate program options in arts and sciences, business, education and nursing; and a variety of program options in continuing and professional studies. Recognizing Saint Xavier’s excellence in education, U.S. News and World Report has ranked SXU consistently among the Best Colleges in the Midwest.

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

Sustainability Compact

Read about some of Saint Xavier's many green initiatives on Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn's Web site for the Illinois Sustainable University Compact. SXU is a member of the compact, which outlines 12 environmental goals universities and community colleges may adopt on their campuses.

The Compact includes objectives such as purchasing renewable energy, implementing green building practices, developing sustainable transportation options, improving water conservation, and incorporating sustainable dining practices.

Lt. Governor Quinn has invited institutions of higher education across the state to identify and accomplish attainable environmental goals by 2010.

View a more complete list of SXU's green initiatives at http://greencampus.sxu.edu/.

WXAV noted on entertainment blog

Cites “Rumble Radio” as a show to listen for

Check out SouthtownStar entertainment reporter Jessi Virtusio’s piece “The Restructuring of Radio” in which she cites Saint Xavier’s very own WXAV as one of Chicago’s worthwhile radio stations.

Check out Saint Xavier's new Facebook page

Check out Saint Xavier University's new Facebook page!

Ruth Hansen awarded Certified Fund Raising Executive designation

Joins more than 5,300 professionals with CFRE designation
Chicago (Dec. 18, 2008) CFRE International recently named Saint Xavier University Associate Director of Foundation & Government Relations Ruth Hansen as a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

The CFRE designation recognizes people who possess the knowledge, skills and commitment to perform fundraising duties in an effective, ethical and professional manner. More than 5,300 professionals from around the world hold the CFRE designation.

Hansen was granted the CFRE credential after having met a series of standards, such as tenure in profession, education, fundraising achievement and commitment to service to not-for-profit organizations. Hansen also passed a rigorous written examination and agreed to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.

“This designation demonstrates Ruth’s level of commitment to her profession,” said Steve Murphy, Vice President of University Advancement. “Our donors will know they are working with someone who continually strives for the best for Saint Xavier University.”

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

Saint Xavier University Professor comments on

Read the Sept. 11 Southtown Star column about the allegations and behavior of Governor Rod Blagojevich in which Columnist Kristen McQueary quotes Graham School of Business Professor Bill Kresse, J.D.

Kresse is the director and chief architect of the financial fraud examination and management graduate program at Saint Xavier University’s Graham School of Management, currently the only classroom-based MBA program in financial fraud examination and identity theft in the country.

Saint Xavier offers the program, which combines law enforcement, law, accounting and general business education, at its Chicago campus, at the Chicago Bar Association building in the Loop and at the Chicago Police Academy. The U.S. Air Force and Chicago Police Department have both chosen the program to better train their agents and officers in identity theft and financial and procurement fraud.

SXU Merwick Academy spring sessions

Registration Jan. 12-23

Chicago (Dec. 10, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s Merwick Academy, which offers tutoring to elementary and high school students, begins registration for its Spring Session on Jan. 12, 2009.

Registration will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday from Jan. 12 through Jan. 23 at the Merwick Academy, located in a tan unit behind Pacelli Hall on the northwest side of Saint Xavier’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The one-hour classes meet one day a week for 12 weeks Monday through Thursday or on Saturdays. Sessions run through the week of Jan. 26 through the week of April 11, with no classes on Thursday, April 9 and Saturday, March 11 due to the Easter holiday. Those dates will be made up on Thursday, April 23 and Saturday, April 25.

Elementary classes focus on reading, math, language arts and writing, study skills, introductory Spanish and Catholic high school test preparation. High school classes focus on history, literature, Spanish, biology, chemistry, geometry, algebra I and II and study skills. Classes are $250 per student with a $100 nonrefundable deposit required at time of registration.

Founded 52 years ago, the Merwick Academy allows students of different cultures, ethnic backgrounds and abilities to interact in the learning process. The academy works with parents, teachers, counselors and administrators to meet the needs of individual students.
For more information, please contact the Merwick Academy at (773) 298-3180 or e-mail koloze@sxu.edu.

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William Kresse, J.D.,available for comment on arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich

Saint Xavier University financial fraud expert William Kresse, J.D., is available for comment regarding this morning’s arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich on allegations of mail and wire fraud.

Professor William Kresse is the architect and director of the Financial Fraud Examination and Management graduate program in the Saint Xavier University Graham School of Management. He is also an authority on Chicago and Illinois history and politics.

Professor Kresse is in the downtown Chicago Loop today and available for an interview. For more information, please call (773) 298-3937.

Sister Sharon Ann Euart, R.S.M. to speak at Saint Xavier University Winter Commencement

Chicago (Dec. 8, 2008) Sister Sharon Ann Euart, R.S.M. will speak at the Saint Xavier University Winter Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 in the Shannon Center. During the ceremony, Sr. Euart will receive a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in recognition of her extraordinary record of service.

Shannon Center doors will open at 10 a.m. with the procession beginning at 10:40 a.m. The Commencement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m., Dec. 20, 2008. The University’s Winter Commencement Liturgy will be held at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19, 2008 in the Shannon Center.

Sr. Euart is a member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, South Central Community. She earned a baccalaureate degree in Spanish, Secondary Education from Mount Saint Agnes College, Master of Liberal Arts and a Master of Science in Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University, and a Doctorate in Canon Law from The Catholic University of America.

After several years as a teacher and administrator in secondary education, Sr. Euart served as Director of Research and Planning for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. From 1988 to 2001, she served as Associate General Secretary for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. She currently serves as a canon law consultant and visiting professor in the School of Canon Law at The Catholic University of America.

She was named the executive coordinator for the Canon Law Society of America, assuming this responsibility on Aug. 1, 2008. The executive coordinator is the chief administrative officer of the Canon Law Society of America, which provides services to the Board of Governors and the Society’s more than 1,500 members. She is the first woman and the eighth person to hold this office.

Sr. Euart has been a member of the Canon Law Society since 1984 and served as its president in 2004-2005. In addition to serving as president of the Society, she has served as consultor on the Board of Governors from 1995-1997 and a member of several task forces on canonical affairs. She is currently chair of the Future Initiatives Project.

She has given major addresses and seminar presentations at the national and regional meetings of the society. She also serves as consultant to the Bishops’ Committee on Canonical Affairs and the Work Group on Apostolos suos, the Vatican document by Pope John Paul II on the theological and juridical nature of episcopal conferences. She is vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate and a member of the Catholic Common Ground Initiative.

Sr. Euart has published in numerous scholarly journals, delivered papers and addresses for diocesan gatherings and national organizations as well as at national and international conferences on a variety of topics including pastoral planning, religious life, lay ecclesial ministry, the role of women in the church, church structures, episcopal conferences and the canonical mandate for theologians in Catholic colleges and universities.

Her scholarship, teaching, service to the academy, and significant contributions to the church and society are outstanding. She received the Yves Congar Award from the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development in 2001. She received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal from Pope John Paul II in 2000.

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

Saint Xavier University Launches New Web Site Highlighting Online Master's Degree Programs

Chicago, Ill. -- Saint Xavier University (http://www.sxuonline.com/), an accredited, not-for-profit university based in Chicago, has unveiled a new Web site, http://www.sxuonline.com/, to highlight three online master's degree programs: SXU's Master of Science in Nursing - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), Master of Science in Service Management, and Master's in Curriculum and Instruction.

These cutting edge programs were designed with the same admission standards and rigorous curriculum as their ground campus counterparts but are now accessible to students across the country.

Saint Xavier University is excited to offer these degrees as part of a long-term strategy to provide market-centric master's programs tailored for today's working professionals. These programs are designed with a three-day experiential residency at SXU's Chicago campus to reinforce the concepts learned and allow valuable time to interact with faculty.

"The new program offerings allow Saint Xavier University to reach a larger, more diverse population of students," explained Richard Venneri, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, "Students throughout the country can now take advantage of these highly successful programs that have only been available on campus up until now. The online nature allows for personalized classes and an individualized structure without sacrificing the recognition of a regionally accredited University."

Given the current national economy, many working professionals are seeking additional credentials to protect their current positions or increase marketability. Also, with unpredictable fuel costs there is a demand for advanced education without driving to a fixed location.

SXU's online master's degree programs provide small class sizes and convenient access to coursework on your schedule. For more information about Saint Xavier University online programs, please visit http://www.sxuonline.com/.

About Saint Xavier University: Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier University is a private, Catholic, comprehensive university grounded in the tradition of the liberal arts. Chicago's oldest Catholic University now adds its online, global Saint Xavier campus to the existing campuses in Chicago, Orland Park and Chicago Loop. As one of 18 colleges and universities sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier University educates approximately 5,700 students each year. U.S. News & World Report ranks the Saint Xavier University student population among the 10 most diverse public and private colleges and universities in the Midwest and second in Illinois. Saint Xavier University welcomes and encourages students of all religious and faith traditions.

Contact Information: Susan Schreiber, Saint Xavier University http://www.sxuonline.com/ 312-607-8839

SXU students serve in new Office of Sustainability

Student workers help coordinate SXU’s environmentally friendly initiatives

SXU senior David Hasty, Oak Lawn and SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. discuss Saint Xavier’s new Office of Sustainability.

Chicago (Nov. 26, 2008) Saint Xavier University recently created the Office of Sustainability to coordinate numerous environmentally friendly initiatives at its Chicago campus. Student employees and interns work on green projects ranging from searching for grants, collecting data for a green house gas audit and maintaining SXU’s new GreenBike program, which allows students to borrow bikes from computerized kiosks around the campus.

SXU senior David Hasty, Oak Lawn, has been collecting information from individual departments across campus for a greenhouse audit that will take into account all University activities that create greenhouse emissions, including transportation and power use. The business major will graduate this spring and considers his experience with the new office key to future opportunities.

“I know sustainability is going to be a big part of the future, and it's a great thing to be able to put on the resume right now,” Hasty said. “I'd like to go on to become LEED Certified, so something like this can only help me. I'll definitely take it into the workforce.”

Freshman Angelice Cunningham, Calumet City, searches for grants for green projects on campus. “I thought it would be a great learning experience,” Cunningham said. “There are a lot of different grants out there for campuses, and even homes, to become more green.”

Jennifer Smith, a freshman from Cleveland, works as a bike mechanic for Saint Xavier’s GreenBike program. Smith took a green studies course in high school and saw working in the office as an excellent way to continue learning about sustainability.

“I think it’s a good way to become aware of environmental issues and how we affect global warming,” Smith said. “I know a lot of people who don’t grasp what’s going on.”
Please visit http://greencampus.sxu.edu/ to learn more about Saint Xavier’s many environmental initiatives.

Saint Xavier created the Office of Sustainability and is pursing the greenhouse gas audit as part of its obligation to the American Colleges and Universities Presidents Climate Commitment. SXU was the first Chicago-area University to sign the Climate Commitment, which calls for its nearly 600 members to pursue climate neutrality.

“We look forward to the assistance the Office of Sustainability will provide in helping Saint Xavier University maintain its status as a leader in green building practices and programs” said Paul Matthews, assistant vice president of Facilities Management.

For more information about the Office of Sustainability, please contact Sara Patzkowsky at (773) 341-5299 or s.patzkowsky@sxu.edu.

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

SXU to hold Opera Auditions for Dido and Aeneas

Auditions set for Tuesday, Dec. 9

Chicago (Nov. 26, 2008) Saint Xavier University will hold Opera Auditions for Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9 in McGuire Hall at the Warde Academic Center of SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

SXU will audition classical singers interested in a fully staged, costumed production of the one-act opera. Rehearsals begin on Jan. 6, continuing on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on campus. Performance dates are April 25 and 26 and will be accompanied by string quartet and continuo, conducted by SXU music professor Jan Bickel, D.M.A. Staging will be by Carolyn Brady Riley.

Those who audition should bring an aria/art song in English to sing for the audition. The Oxford score will be used and is available in the SXU bookstore. All auditions are by appointment only.

Participation in this production is free and open to the community. To make an appointment for an audition or for more information, please contact Annette Adamus at (773) 298-3421 or adamus@sxu.edu.

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

Water Management Class Idaho Video

Click here to view a video photo montage of a group of Saint Xavier University students who traveled to Idaho this summer to conduct fieldwork examining water quality, restoring trails, fighting to prevent mining pollution and visiting Yellowstone National Park as part of an SXU honors class dedicated to water conservation.

After a semester of studying water management and conducting field work, several students accompanied Biology Professor Tatiana Tatum and Philosophy Professor Thomas Thorp to Southern Idaho in late June and early July. There, they worked alongside the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a local organization fighting to prevent mining pollution in area waters.
The students also assisted the Coalition in restoring a trail and went backpacking through Yellowstone National Park.

Students began the semester by taking samples of Southwest Chicago’s Lake Marion on the SXU campus, followed by the Little Calumet River in the south suburbs. They then traveled to Madison, Wis. and tested water near the Pecatonica River for oxygen levels, iron, phosphates, pH, alkalinity, chlorine, and other chemicals. Afterwards, students speculated on what effects cattle grazing, man-made fertilizers and other farming activities may have had on the river.

In the classroom, Tatum taught students the biology and chemistry of water, as well as the historical politics of water ownership and management. Thorp taught the political and judicial background of how people own, regulate and distribute water. Students began locally by studying the history of the indigenous Potawatomi, Fox and Sauk Tribes and how they lived on the land and alongside the rivers.

Students also took part in online activism by identifying and studying some of the many groups devoted to protecting clean water around the city of Chicago and nationally.

SXU holds nursing honors society induction

New members in Alpha Omicron chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International

Chicago (Nov. 24, 2008) Saint Xavier University held its induction ceremony for the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, through its Alpha Omicron Chapter on Sunday, Nov. 16 at SXU’s Chicago Campus.

Sigma Theta Tau International, one of the largest international nursing organizations, works to foster, develop and connect nurse scholars and leaders worldwide to improve health care. It promotes nursing excellence through its initiatives in research, leadership, an electronic library, programming and publications while developing and distributing nursing knowledge for use in practice. Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and to nurse leaders who demonstrate exceptional achievement in nursing.

SXU inductees include:

Prelicensure

• Nnebuife Nkem Adighibe
• Kristi Lynn Anzalone
• Allison Arnold
• Lyris Valda Augustus
• Barbara Z. Biel
• Elizabeth Bodinet Flynn
• Kelly Christine Burke
• I-Hwa Cheng
• Caitlin Conroy
• Christy Derzsy
• Tina M. Dorau
• Kelly Engesser
• Xiaojie Feng
• Lynda Nicole Garrison
• Casey Lynn Gralewski
• Nancy Hernandez
• Laurie Keim
• Jennifer M. Krydynski
• Malgorzata Lauryn
• Fritzgerald Marthol
• Ewelina Matyjaszczyk
• Joean K. Murray
• Allison Phillips
• Melissa Lynn Rogers
• Meaghan Scott
• Nicole Marie Sinovich
• Nasreen Tomalieh
• Joanna Toporkiewicz
• Colleen Vail
• Antoinette Gavan Williams


RN-BSN

• Jennifer Battung, RN
• Dorette Wade-Byrd, RN

Graduate

• Gretchen Etkie, BSN, RN
• Donna L. Garrett, BSN, RN
• Maricel Jubac, BSN, RN
• Eileen McNichols, BSN, RN
• Margaret Cooke Montag, BSN, RN
• Angelique Muhammad, BSN, RN
• Jean A. Smith, BSN, RN
• Christopher Ryan Speaker, BSN, RN

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

SXU to host Leadership Academy of the Southwest Suburbs

Deadline for discounted price Dec. 1

Chicago (Nov. 24, 2008) The Leadership Academy of the Southwest Suburbs will hold professional training seminars beginning in February, 2009 at Saint Xavier University’s Orland Park Campus. The eight sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays.

LASS trains and motivates local business professionals who wish to advance their leadership capabilities and strengthen their businesses.

Registration forms can be found at www.sxu.edu/LASS. The deadline for the discounted price of $249 is Dec. 1, 2008. For more information, please contact Julie Casillas at (708)633-4711 or casillas@sxu.edu.

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

Choirs to present “Christmas at Saint Xavier”

Concert to take place at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 in McDonough Chapel

Chicago (Nov. 24, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s Flute Choir will pair with the Women of Distinction Choral Ensemble to present “Christmas at Saint Xavier – A Concert of Seasonal Music” at 7:30 pm on Friday, Dec. 5 in McDonough Chapel on SXU’s Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The group will perform a variety of Christmas music ranging from Renaissance to the present day. Arrangements will include popular titles like “O’ Holy Night,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” and traditional carols.

SXU professors Martha M. Morris, MM, and Jan Bickel, DMA, will conduct the performance. Morris will direct the flute choir, and Bickel will direct the Women of Distinction Choral Ensemble.

“There is something for everyone on this concert from the rich colors of the flute choir family to the lovely tones of the small women’s vocal ensemble,” Bickel said. “This concert will put everyone in the spirit of the season.”

General admission is $6 and $5 for seniors and visiting students. SXU students, faculty and staff can attend for free with a valid university ID.

For more information please contact Annette Adamus at (773) 298-3421 or adamus@sxu.edu.

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

SouthtownStar features SXU in story about tough times sending students back to school

Click here to read the Monday, Nov. 24 SouthtownStar story about tough times sending people back to school. The article features SXU student Chris Nunkovich.

Saint Xavier University Bike Share Program featured by Medill News Service

View an article and video news report here by the Medill News Service about Saint Xavier University's GreenBike share program on its Chicago campus. The report has interviews with students and SXU Assistant Vice President of Physical Facilities Paul Matthews.

SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., interviewed about decision not to seek another term

Read an interview in the Southtown-Star with SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., about her decision not to seek another term after the academic year.

Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., announces she will leave after end of academic year

SXU Board of Trustees to establish search timeline

Chicago (Nov. 17, 2008) Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., announced today that she will not seek a third term as president.

“It has been a privilege to serve as President since October 2003,” President Dwyer said in a message to students, faculty and staff. “I believe that a great deal has been accomplished and that the strategic direction for the University has been established. I am deeply grateful for what we have achieved together to advance Saint Xavier University.”

Under her exceptional leadership beginning in 2003, President Dwyer led the effort to develop and implement The Power of Eight, a comprehensive set of strategic directions to serve as guideposts for the future of Saint Xavier University. As part of the strategic vision and the master campus plan, she oversaw the design and construction of Illinois’ first LEED Gold-standard university building in 2006, with a second award winning facility completed in 2008.

Through generous donations of real estate, the University acquired a significant piece of property along West 103rd Street in Chicago, including Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon and the Driehaus Center, as well as additional land on the Orland Park campus. The University also purchased seven other properties and opened a downtown location at the Chicago Bar Association, significantly expanding the Chicago campus during her tenure.

During her tenure, President Dwyer has built an excellent team of senior leaders. This included the creation of the Provost position, the addition of new offices and leadership for Mission and Heritage, University Relations, and Information Resources and Technologies, the establishment of advisory councils for the five college/schools and the library, and the initiation of work with the Association of Governing Boards to develop best practices for the University’s Board of Trustees.

President Dwyer spent significant time and energy raising the visibility and profile of the University. This included a comprehensive media and marketing plan with campus lectures by former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, General Colin L. Powell, and Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel. Efforts to improve communications included the creation of a community and government liaison position and the initiation of the University’s daily electronic news, Saint Xavier Today.

Several important academic accreditations occurred during her tenure, including the two-year self study process and report which resulted in the University’s successful reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission in 2008.

President Dwyer also put a renewed emphasis on fundraising, having raised in excess of $33 million dollars during her tenure, a record for Saint Xavier University. Other impressive figures during this period include a 17 percent increase in undergraduate FTE enrollment, a 44 percent increase in undergraduate applications, and a 55 percent increase in resident student enrollment.

The SXU Board of Trustees will establish a timeline and process in the near future for a national search for the next president of Saint Xavier University.

“President Dwyer’s accomplishments have opened a new era for Saint Xavier University,” said Thomas E. Chomicz, SXU Board of Trustees chair. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I sincerely thank her for her extraordinary leadership.”

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

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, Saint Xavier University was the first Mercy college in the United States and is Chicago’s oldest Catholic university. Serving approximately 5,700 students at its campuses in Chicago, Orland Park and its Loop location, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors; more than 40 graduate program options in arts and sciences, business, education and nursing; and a variety of program options in continuing and professional studies. Recognizing Saint Xavier’s excellence in education, U.S. News and World Report has ranked SXU consistently among the Best Colleges in the Midwest.

Variety reviews Saint Xavier University professor's book on baseball's history with television

Click here to read Variety's review of "Center Field Shot," a book co-authored by SXU Professor James Walker, Ph.D.

"Center Field Shot: A History of Baseball on Television" successfully tells the story of how the sport made a huge breakthrough arriving in people's homes. The era began with the first televised college game broadcast by NBC in 1939 and now there's the launch of the MLB Network, which begins in 2009.

SXU Symphonic Orchestra performs Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F major (Op. 68), Verdi's Overture to La Forza del Destino and others

7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21

Chicago (Nov. 13, 2008) The Saint Xavier University Symphonic Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21 at the Rehearsal Performance Space in the Warde Academic Center at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The ensemble will perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F major (Op. 68), Verdi's Overture to La Forza del Destino, Grainger's Mock Morris, and Sullivan's Overture to the HMS Pinafore. SXU music professor Margaret Young-Weitzel will conduct the performance.

General admission is $6 and $5 for seniors and visiting students. SXU students, faculty and staff can attend for free with a valid university ID. For more information, please contact Annette Adamus at (773) 298-3421.

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

SXU Concert Band performs Australian Fantasia by David Stanhope

7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2

Chicago (Nov. 13, 2008) The Saint Xavier University Concert Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the Rehearsal Performance Space in the Warde Academic Center of SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The Concert Band will perform Australian Fantasia by David Stanhope and Divertimento for Band, Opus 42 for Vincent Persichetti. The ensemble also will play Felix Mendelssohn’s Overture for Winds in C and one of John Philip Sousa’s lesser-known works, By the Light of the Polar Star.

The performance will feature oboe soloists Stuart Watson and Samantha Spitzig.

General admission is $6 and $5 for seniors and visiting students. SXU students, faculty and staff can attend for free with a valid university ID. For more information, please contact Annette Adamus at (773) 298-3421.

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

John Callaway kicks off SXU’s 2008-09 Squeaky Weal Lecture Series

Video of WTTW’s Friday Night with John Callaway host available at http://www.sxu.edu/administrative/media_relations/callaway.asp

Chicago (Nov. 12, 2008) John Callaway, host of WTTW’s Friday Night with John Callaway and former host of WTTW’s Chicago Tonight, kicked off Saint Xavier University’s 2008-09 Squeaky Weal Lecture Series on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at SXU’s Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Callaway’s lecture, titled “John Callaway’s State of the Union,” addressed the historic 2008 presidential election, President-Elect Barack Obama’s candidacy and its pertinence to race relations in America and the nation’s economic hardships.

Please click here to view a video of Callaway’s lecture on SXU’s newly redesigned Web site.

Callaway also took time to have dinner with SXU students and staff members.

“I’ve been afforded many amazing opportunities here at Saint Xavier University, but the chance to sit down for dinner with Mr. Callaway was one of the more exceptional opportunities that I have had,” said SXU student Sammi Powers. “Mr. Callaway offered many interesting stories and made us all feel very welcome.”

A legendary journalist, Callaway has been a news radio and television leader for 51 years. He worked for Chicago and New York CBS radio before hosting WTTW’s premier public affairs program, Chicago Tonight, for 15 years. He now is host and senior editor of WTTW’s Friday Night with John Callaway as well as host of the Chicago Stories anthology series.

Callaway has collected more than 100 awards during a career that spans more than half a century, including a Peabody Award and 17 Emmy Awards. In addition to his journalistic achievements, Callaway received numerous honorary doctoral degrees from such institutions as Northwestern University and the John Marshall College of Law. He also was the founding director of the University of Chicago’s William Benton Fellowships in Broadcast Journalism Program.

Callaway also authored the bestselling book of essays The Thing of It Is and recently wrote and performed a pair of autobiographical shows titled Life is…Maintenance and John Callaway Tonight.

SXU’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, please contact the Center for Religion and Public Discourse at (773) 298-3981 or mareska@sxu.edu.

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

SouthtownStar coverage of first SXU Campus Safety Day

Click here to read the SouthtownStar’s coverage of Saint Xavier University’s Campus Safety Day.

SXU holds Greenhouse Gas Audit

Audit to measure and decrease carbon footprint

Chicago (Nov. 11, 2008) Saint Xavier University will conduct a greenhouse gas audit to evaluate the university’s carbon footprint as part of its obligation to the American Colleges and Universities Presidents Climate Commitment. Saint Xavier University was the first Chicago area University to sign the Climate Commitment, which calls for its nearly 600 members to pursue climate neutrality.

SXU intends to analyze and decrease its greenhouse gas emissions on campus by working with the Clean Air- Cool Planet program and expects to complete the audit by January, 2009. Typically, the three leading contributions to greenhouse gases include the heating and cooling of buildings, transportation and electricity.

The first step is data collection, such as studying student and faculty demographics, determining how many vehicles are used on campus and how far they travel, and examining how much nitrogen is in landscaping fertilizers.

The next step is formulating a reduction plan based on the data to help neutralize SXU’s carbon emissions. SXU will develop its future campus by constructing new buildings while still reducing its carbon emissions.

SXU already has taken several strides to curb harmful greenhouse emissions by building two environmentally friendly residence halls on campus: Arthur Rubloff Hall, which recently became the first LEED Gold certified university building in the state, and Agatha O’Brien Hall, which opened this fall.

The university’s new GreenBike bike sharing program, the first of its kind in the country, also will contribute to the overall outcome of carbon neutrality on campus but reducing the use of fuel burning vehicles. Rhubarb’s, a new dining facility on the first floor of McCarthy Hall, offers organic foods that are supplied by local vendors, which means less fuel is used to transport the food.

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

SXU takes 3rd place at Illinois Broadcasters Association Student Silverdome Awards

Angelo Bonadonna awarded for exploration of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood

Chicago (Nov. 11, 2008) Saint Xavier University alumnus Angelo Bonadonna, ’08, recently won 3rd place for Best Radio Long Format at the Illinois Broadcasters Association Student Silverdome Awards.

Bonadonna’s winning entry was his senior project documentary titled “Beyond Wrigleyville: An Exploration of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.” The win marks the third consecutive year WXAV was recognized at the Student Silverdome Awards.

“The students should be very proud of their hard work and dedication to WXAV,” said Peter Kreten, SXU Assistant Director of Campus Life: Student Media. “It is that dedication that makes WXAV not only an award-winning station, but the best college radio station in Chicago.”

The Student Silverdome Awards are held each year by the IBA to showcase excellence in student broadcasting. Other schools participating in this year’s competition were University of Illinois, North Central College and Illinois State University.

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

SGA Vice President Mark Piper in the SouthtownStar

Read the Sunday, Nov. 9 SouthtownStar article interviewing Saint Xavier University students, including SGA Vice President Mark Piper, about President-elect Obama as an inspiration for students.

Saint Xavier University signs Concentration Articulation Agreement with College of DuPage

Provides smooth credit transfer for students seeking SXU bachelor’s degree

Chicago (Nov. 5, 2008) In an Oct. 22 ceremony on the SXU Orland Park Campus, SXU Provost Angela Durante, Ph.D., and Dupage Interim Executive Dean of Academic Affairs Joseph Collins, Ph.D., signed an articulation agreement to provide a seamless transfer experience for students between the two schools.

Saint Xavier University will accept students from the College of DuPage who have earned an Associate in Arts degree or the Associates in Applied Science or equivalent credit hours. College of DuPage students will enter Saint Xavier University with junior status in order to pursue the Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Studies in Organizational Behavior from the School for Continuing and Professional Studies. The accelerated program allows students to complete courses within an 18-month period from admission.

“In addition to allowing students to more easily transfer schools, this cooperative relationship will provide students with access to both institutions’ services and activities and build on community college and University learning experiences,” said Durante. “We look forward to this enhanced relationship with College of Dupage that will benefit our students.”

For more information about the agreement, please contact Julie Casillas at (708) 633-4711 or casillas@sxu.edu.

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

SXU students celebrate historic election night

More than 70 gather to watch coverage at Student Government Association party

(Left to right) Saint Xavier University students Alexis Ware, Lezza Stewart, Amanda Bock, Markia Kelly, Liv Rossi and Mark Piper at SXU’s Election Party.

Chicago (Nov. 5, 2008) More than 70 Saint Xavier University students gathered to watch coverage of what became a truly historic election night on Nov. 4 at Figaro’s in Regina Hall on SXU’s Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

SXU’s Student Government Association hosted an Election Party for students to enjoy donkey- and elephant-shaped cookies and free election hats and buttons as they watched Democrat Barack Obama defeat Republican John McCain to become the first African-American U.S. president elect.

SGA vice president Mark Piper said McCain and Obama supporters both attended the event and treated each other with respect and civility.

“Not only was it a historic night, but it was great to see such involvement from students,” Piper said. “Everyone was glued to the TVs.”

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

SXU Arboretum places third in Chicago landscape awards program

SXU’s third landscape award

Chicago (Nov. 5, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s Arboretum received third place for the Area 5 Schools category in the 2008 Mayor Daley’s Landscape Awards program.

The three-season arboretum is located on the north side of the Warde Academic Center.

“We are proud of the hard work that goes into keeping our Arboretum beautiful for our students, faculty and staff,” said SXU Asst. Vice President for Facilities Management Paul Matthews.

Director of Facilities Service Ali Obaidallah, Lead Groundskeeper Scott Russo and Director of Plant Operations Rodney Harper received the award for SXU from the Mayor and Commissioner of the Environment on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

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

Saint Xavier University previously received Mayor’s Landscape Awards for the O’Malley Quad in 2000 and Mary’s Circle in 2007.

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

SXU Professor travels to Costa Rica to provide ministry to victims of sex trade

Chicago (Nov. 5, 2008) Saint Xavier University professor Thomas Dodson, Ph.D., was one of 18 members of Chicago Tabernacle to travel to Costa Rica this summer to counsel men and women working in the sex trade. Dodson served with the Rahab Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to the well-being of people involved in sexual commerce in Costa Rica.

Fundacion Rahab was founded by Mariliana Morales in 1997 to contribute to the protection and well being of women and men who wish to escape the sexual commerce industry. The Foundation offers an 18-month program of counseling and educational courses in computers, sewing, baking and jewelry making. Upon graduation, participants receive a diploma and a certificate in their chosen trade.

“The goal is to help men and women sex workers receive alternative vocational training, personal faith ministry and counseling services,” Dodson said. “The professional certification they receive at the Foundation is crucial to their ability to work in another profession in Costa Rica.”

Dodson and his fellow volunteers went out into the streets to invite men and women to the Rahab center where they could experience prayer and be introduced to opportunities in vocational training in non-sex related work. They also worked on the Rahab center itself by painting, moving furniture and installing appliances. A few weeks after Dodson’s group returned to the United States, they learned that the Costa Rican government paid off the entire mortgage of the Rahab Foundation’s new building in San Jose.

“The news that the Costa Rican government had paid off the Rahab building was an answer to our prayers,” Dodson said.

Dodson, an associate professor in Saint Xavier University’s Master of Arts and Counseling program, intends to write an academic piece about his experiences in Costa Rica.

“I am writing about my experience from a personal faith and ministry perspective and how I see it impacting my work as a professor here at Saint Xavier,” Dodson said. “I was struck by the connection between what we did this summer in Costa Rica and the Mercy mission of the University.”

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

SXU Jazz Ensemble to perform Glen Miller, Count Basie and others

7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 in McGuire Hall

Chicago (Nov. 4, 2008) The Saint Xavier University Jazz Ensemble will deliver a performance at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 in McGuire Hall located in the Warde Academic Center, 3700 W. 103rd St, Chicago.

General admission is $6 and $5 for seniors and visiting students. SXU students, faculty and staff can attend for free with a valid university ID.

During the performance the SXU Jazz Ensemble will perform music by Harold Arlen, Count Basie, Walter Gross, Glenn Miller, Benny Moten, Jerome Richardson, Richard Rogers, Horace Silver, and Josef Zawinul.

For more information, please contact Annette Adamus at (773) 298-3421 or adamus@sxu.edu.

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

SXU to hold Faculty Voice Recital featuring musical theatre, opera, duets

Recital at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18 in McGuire Hall

Chicago (Nov. 4, 2008) Saint Xavier University will hold a Faculty Voice Recital featuring professors Carolyn Brady Riley and Michelle Vought on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in McGuire Hall in the Warde Academic Center at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

SXU professor Brady Riley and Illinois State University associate professor Michelle Vought are professional singers in the opera, concert, musical theatre, and cabaret genres. The event will feature opera arias, opera duets, French art songs, Musical Theatre songs and duets.

General admission is $6 and $5 for seniors and visiting students. SXU students, faculty and staff can attend for free with a valid university ID.

For more information, please contact Carolyn Brady Riley at (773) 852-1292.

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

SXU’s John Walsh comments on changing attitudes toward crime in SouthtownStar.

Chicago (Nov. 4, 2008) Saint Xavier University criminal justice professor John Walsh recently appeared in a SouthtownStar article about a cold case murder in Oak Forest. Walsh discusses how greater public awareness of crime has changed people’s attitudes and perceptions. Please visit http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1254799,110208coldcasefolo.article to view the entire article.

James Carville and Mary Matalin draw 2,600 to Saint Xavier University

America’s favorite political couple gives election primer at SXU Shannon Center

Chicago (Oct. 31, 2008) – Legendary political strategists James Carville and Mary Matalin thrilled more than 2,600 spectators Thursday night at the Saint Xavier University Shannon Center just days before the November presidential election. America’s favorite bipartisan political couple had the packed house roaring at anecdotes from both their family life and their storied careers with the Democratic and Republican national candidates.

“I want to express Saint Xavier’s sincere thanks to Ms. Matalin and Mr. Carville for such an entertaining, informative evening,” said SXU Vice President for University Relations Robert Tenczar. “To bring such a high level of political discourse to the city of Chicago just days before this most historic election has been an honor.”

Carville and Matalin, who are married, are two of the foremost Democratic and Republican political consultants in the country. In between fun stories of their family life, both bared their famous political fangs when sharing personal opinions of the current presidential election. Matalin discounted polling, currently giving Obama wide leads in many states, as the “crack cocaine of politics,” and Carville criticized Republican campaign officials for commencing the blame game before the election has ended.

“I don’t care if you are a Republican or Democrat,” Carville said. “You stand by your post until the election is over.”

Carville gained fame as lead strategist of Bill Clinton’s successful presidential bid in 1992 and was honored as Campaign Manager of the Year by the American Association of Political Consultants in 1993. Since then, he has served as a consultant to presidents and prime ministers around the world and is a regular CNN commentator and contributor.

Matalin formerly served as assistant to President George W. Bush and counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney, and was the first White House official to hold that double title. She held senior positions in the George H. W. Bush 1988 campaign and was appointed chief of staff for the Republican National Council. She hosted CNN’s critically acclaimed debate program Crossfire and other political shows.

The event was sponsored by the Saint Xavier University Office for University Relations.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Joe Moore

773-298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu

SXU’s Breakfast with the Experts event on Nov. 13 cancelled

Two other events still planned

Chicago (Nov. 3, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s Breakfast with the Experts event with Chicago White Sox Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Brooks Boyer scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13, is cancelled.

Boyer was unexpectedly called out of town and will reschedule the event at later date. Please stay posted for news about when the event will take place.

Two other Breakfast with the Experts events are still scheduled. Scheduled speakers include Civic Federation President Laurence Msall on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009 at SXU’s Butler Reception Room, 3901 W. 103rd St. and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at SXU’s Butler Reception Room.

SXU is partnering with the Beverly Area Planning Association to host the interactive lecture series, which invites notable business, community and civic leaders to share their knowledge and insights at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Each hour-long event begins at 7:45 a.m. and includes a networking session, a keynote address and a question-and-answer session. The breakfasts are designed as highly interactive, informative and engaging for all participants.

Reservations are required, and there will be no on-site registration. Space is limited with events expected to sell out. Each breakfast is $30.

For reservations, log on to www.bapa.org and click on “BAPA Event Tickets.”

To suggest a speaker or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please e-mail specialevents@sxu.edu.

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

SXU to host Leadership Academy of the Southwest Suburbs

Sessions to be held at Saint Xavier University’s Orland Park Campus

Chicago (Nov. 3, 2008) The Leadership Academy of the Southwest Suburbs will hold professional training seminars beginning in February 2009 at Saint Xavier University’s Orland Park campus.

LASS trains and motivates local business professionals who wish to advance their leadership capabilities and strengthen their businesses. The program will be presented in a series of eight half-day sessions led by certified instructors and regional business leaders who provide real-world experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to network and build relationships with current and future leaders in the area.

Sessions will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon on the following days:

• Feb. 6, 2009: Defining Leadership

Renee Robinson, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Communications at Saint Xavier University
Learn the necessary skills to establish an environment in which those you lead share your vision and values.

• Feb. 20, 2009: Personal Leadership

Lisa Glancy, Executive Coach, Aspire Executive Coaching
Learn how leadership begins with you and the decisions you make on a daily basis.

• March 6, 2009: Effective Use of Media

Larry Minsky, Marketing Communication, Columbia College, Chicago
Learn how to use the media (newspapers, Internet and television) to promote your business.

• March 20, 2009: Business Ethics

Nancy Cure, Dean, Enrichment Program and Services, Moraine Valley Community College
Learn how high moral values provide a positive environment for your business.

• April 3, 2009: Training and Development

Hilary Burkinshaw, Director, CenterPoint
Learn coaching techniques to challenge those you lead to help them achieve their best.

• April 24, 2009: Networking Your Business

Don Jones, President, DRZ Enterprises, LLC
Learn how to strengthen your business through the building of personal relationships in the community.

• May 8, 2009: Community Panel

Honorable Edward Zabrocki, Mayor, Village of Tinley Park
John Coghill, Owner, Silver Lake Country Club
Bobbie Noonan, Owner and Director, Bobbie Noonan’s Child Care
Learn from community leaders with unique backgrounds how leadership skills have shaped their lives.

• May 15, 2009: Managing Change

Paul Vallas, Superintendent, Recovery School District (New Orleans, La.)
Learn to plan, strategize, implement and control change in your business to ensure that it thrives, while learning how to manage unexpected changes.

• May 21, 2009: Leadership Celebration

Silver Lake Country Club
147th Street & 82nd Avenue
Orland Park, IL 60462
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information about LASS, please call (708) 633-4711 or visit www.sxu.edu/LASS.

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

SXU to host artist Christine Rojek

Exhibit to run Nov. 12 to Dec. 8

Chicago (Nov. 3, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s SXU Gallery will present the work of Chicago artist Christine Rojek, from Nov.12 to Dec. 8. The gallery will be closed for Thanksgiving break from Nov. 26 to 30.

The “Theater of the Observed”/Kinetic Interactions exhibit showcases Rojek’s small-scale models of large public sculptures alongside drawings, many of which are preparatory sketches for the sculptures. She will present her work at 3:30pm on Wednesday, Nov. 12, with a reception immediately following.

Rojek earned her BFA in painting at the University of Illinois (Champaign, IL). She continued her studies at the American School of Fontainebleau (Fontainebleau, France) focusing on performance and installation. She teaches at Columbia College, serves on the Chicago Public Arts Advisory Board and is a founding member of the Chicago Sculpture International.

Specializing in public sculpture, Rojek creates interactive environments that appeal to people of all ages. Rojek’s pieces have been installed throughout the United States, including such public spaces as Northeastern Illinois University (Chicago, Ill.), EdVenture Childrens’ Museum (Columbia, S.C.), and Park Place (Tucson, Ariz.).

Rojek recently completed a sculpture for Peterson Park, her sixth public sculpture in the Chicago vicinity and her 24th nationally. She has received widespread recognition for her achievements, including several fellowship grants from the Illinois Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and an AT&T Technology In Art Grant.

The exhibit is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Art Council.

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

Saint Xavier University unveils new Web site: www.sxu.edu

Chicago (Oct. 31, 2008) –Saint Xavier University’s new public Web site is now online at http://www.sxu.edu. Reorganized pages designed for prospective students, parents, alumni and community members are now even easier to browse. Custom gateway pages and a powerful new search function provide the quick access visitors need most when learning about the University.

“A Web site is the ‘front porch’ of any 21st century institution,” said SXU Vice president for University Relations Robert Tenczar. “We encourage everyone to be our guest, visit our new site and learn more about Saint Xavier. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make bring this project into fruition.”

SXU moved all internal functions to its new intranet site, which houses many of the tools students, faculty and staff use on the existing Web site, to guarantee a streamlined browsing experience.

The intranet site will have a personalized portal page, reorganized content and better search capabilities. Additionally, the portal page offers customizable news, events and Web links tailored specifically for you.

Beyond Internet and intranet pages, SXU Information Services has teamed with Google to provide students with a robust new e-mail system powered by Gmail, which will also go online Nov. 1. Each new MyMail account will provide more than six gigabytes of storage from famously reliable Google servers.

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

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SXU Health Center offering children’s flu shots

Shots offered by appointment through November

Chicago (October 30, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s Health Center is offering children’s flu shots through the month of November. Vaccinations will be administered by appointment only at the Health Center.

For more information, including costs, please contact SXU’s Health Center at (773) 298-3712 or healthcenter@sxu.edu

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

John Callaway kicks off SXU’s 2008-09 Squeaky Weal Lecture Series

WTTW’s Friday Night with John Callaway host to speak on Nov. 11

Chicago (Oct. 28, 2008) John Callaway, host of WTTW’s Friday Night with John Callaway and former host of WTTW’s Chicago Tonight, will kick off Saint Xavier University’s 2008-09 Squeaky Weal Lecture Series at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 11 in the Butler Reception Room of the Warde Academic Center at SXU’s Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The lecture, titled “John Callaway’s State of the Union,” is free and open to the public.
A legendary journalist, Callaway has been a news radio and television leader for 51 years. He worked for Chicago and New York CBS radio before hosting WTTW’s premier public affairs program, Chicago Tonight, for 15 years. He now is host and senior editor of WTTW’s Friday Night with John Callaway as well as host of the Chicago Stories anthology series.

Callaway has collected more than 100 awards during a career that spans more than half a century, including a Peabody Award and 17 Emmy Awards. In addition to his journalistic achievements, Callaway received numerous honorary doctoral degrees from such institutions as Northwestern University and the John Marshall College of Law. He also was the founding director of the University of Chicago’s William Benton Fellowships in Broadcast Journalism Program.

Callaway also authored the bestselling book of essays The Thing of It Is and recently wrote and performed a pair of autobiographical shows titled Life is…Maintenance and John Callaway Tonight.

SXU’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, please contact the Center for Religion and Public Discourse at (773) 298-3981 or mareska@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

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

SXU “Super Star” Monica Ryan honored for work in Health Center

Health Center director a finalist of VNA’s Super Star in Community Nursing Award

Chicago (Oct. 28, 2008) Saint Xavier University Health Center Director Monica Ryan DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, was named a finalist for the VNA Foundation’s 2008 Super Star in Community Nursing Award.

Ryan, an assistant nursing professor at SXU, received a $5,000 award and recognition for the establishment of and her dedication to the SXU Health Clinic.

The VNA Foundation, formerly the Visiting Nurse Association Foundation, gives financial support to nonprofit organizations offering home- and community-based care to the medically underserved. The Super Star Award was introduced in 2001 to acknowledge the service that public health/community health nurses provide, recognize the value of nursing in the community, help attract young people to the profession and contribute to efforts to decrease the nursing shortage.

Ryan ensures SXU’s Health Center offers high quality care for students while keeping the costs low. Unlike most university student health centers, Ryan designed SXU’s to also serve members of the surrounding community, including the underinsured and uninsured.

The center has established partnerships with a number of schools, healthcare providers, governmental bodies and community organizations. Ryan distributes an annual newsletter that outlines the services at the SXU Health Center and reaches more than 70 local schools. She also developed a relationship with Chicago 19th Ward Ald. Ginger Rugai’s office and recently provided dental services, skin cancer screenings and flu shots.

“I feel privileged to be in the company of the other VNA award winners,” Ryan said, “I am humbled by an award like this and grateful to the VNA Foundation for honoring nurses that dedicate their lives to helping others in their communities. My hope is that this will encourage more young people to pursue public health nursing and give back to their communities where support is so desperately needed.”

Ryan has received several grants from organizations to support community outreach initiatives through the SXU Health Center. These include funds from the AT&T Foundation to expand community outreach; the Agatha O’Brien Ministry Fund of the Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of Chicago to develop a specialist referral network for health center clients; and a grant from the VNA Foundation to establish a health clinic at St. Margaret of Scotland Elementary School in Chicago’s Washington Heights neighborhood.

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

SXU Guitar Ensemble & Jazz Combo Fall Concert

Performance on Nov. 7

Chicago (Oct. 28, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s Guitar Ensemble and Jazz Combo will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 at McGuire Hall in the Warde Academic Center at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd Street.

The SXU Guitar Ensemble will perform works by J.S. Bach, Enrique Granados, and George F. Handel. The SXU Jazz Combo will play music by Luiz Bonfa, John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Sam Jones, and Horace Silver.

Admission is $6 for students and $5 for seniors. For more information, please contact SXU’s Music Department at (773) 298-3421.

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

SXU 2008-09 film series continues with “Chinatown”

Noir classic being shown as part of “Film and the City” series

Chicago (October 27, 2008) Saint Xavier University will screen the Oscar-winning 1974 film “Chinatown” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in SXU’s McGuire Hall, Warde Academic Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The screening is free and open to the public and is the third in SXU’s 2008-09 film series, “Film and the City.”

Directed by Roman Polanski, the noir film is set in Southern California. Hired to investigate a seemingly routine adultery case, Private Detective JJ “Jake” Gittes, played by Jack Nicholson, soon finds himself embroiled in a world of deceit, secrets, sex and political corruption.

Nicholson and Faye Dunaway both received Oscar Nominations for their roles. Robert Towne won an Oscar for Best Writing, Original Screen Play. Towne also received the 1975 Edgar award for Best Motion Picture at the Edgar Allan Poe Awards.

“Chinatown” is 131 minutes long and will be projected by DVD. This year’s film series is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, Saint Xavier’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Art and Design.

For more information, please contact Film Series Director Alison Fraunhar, Ph.D., at fraunhar@sxu.edu or (773)298-3083.

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

SXU student receives 2008 Student Laureate Award

(Left to right) Lincoln Academy of Illinois Chancellor John B. Simon, Saint Xavier University student and Lincoln Academy 2008 Student Laureate award recipient Alyson Kelley and Illinois Deputy Governor Louanner Peters at the Annual Student Laureate Ceremony on Oct. 18 in Springfield, Ill.

Chicago (Oct. 27, 2008) Saint Xavier University elementary education major Alyson Kelley, of Aurora, received The Lincoln Academy of Illinois 2008 Student Laureate Award on Oct. 18 in the Hall of Representatives of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill.

Kelley was recognized for her overall excellence in curricular and co-curricular activities. She maintains a 3.66 grade point average and student teaches social studies and reading for fifth and sixth grades at Chicago’s Mount Greenwood School as she works on her middle school endorsement. Kelley also served as team captain of the SXU softball team in 2007 and 2008 and worked as a resident assistant, Quest Retreat and FOCUS leader and worked with the Peer Ministry program.

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

USA Today features Saint Xavier Professor's examination of the relationship between televisiona and Major League Baseball

USA Today ran an extensive article on Monday, Oct. 27 about Saint Xavier University Communications Professor James Walker's new book, "Centerfield Shot: A History of Baseball on Television," written about the relationship between broadcast television and professional baseball. Read the USA Today article here. Walker co-wrote the book with Duquesne professor Rob Bellamy.

To learn more about "Centerfield Shot," visit http://centerfieldshot.com/.

To interview James Walker, please call (773) 298-3937 or (cell) (773) 203-6671.

Tickets going fast for James Carville and Mary Matalin at Saint Xavier University

America’s favorite political couple to give election primer 7 p.m., Oct. 30 at SXU Shannon Center

Chicago (Oct. 21, 2008)— There are still tickets left to see America’s favorite bipartisan couple, James Carville and Mary Matalin, showcase their razor political wit at the Saint Xavier University Shannon Center Thursday, Oct. 30, just days before the November presidential election.

Tickets are $20 each and are available by visiting www.sxu.edu/politics or by calling (866) 468-3401. A limited number of $75 priority main floor tickets are also available. SXU students may receive one free ticket by visiting Campus Life in room L-103. Faculty and staff should contact Special Events at specialevents@sxu.edu. A valid Cougar Card number must be presented to process your request.

Carville and Matalin, who are married, are two of the foremost Democratic and Republican political consultants in the country.

Carville was lead strategist of Bill Clinton’s successful presidential bid in 1992 and was honored as Campaign Manager of the Year by the American Association of Political Consultants in 1993. Since then, he has served as a consultant to presidents and prime ministers around the world and is a regular CNN commentator and contributor.

Matalin formerly served as assistant to President George W. Bush and counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney, and was the first White House official to hold that double title. She held senior positions in the George H. W. Bush 1988 campaign and was appointed chief of staff for the Republican National Council. She hosted CNN’s critically acclaimed debate program Crossfire and other political shows.

Matalin now operates Threshold, a new conservative publishing imprint, and sits on the editorial board of Campaigns & Elections magazine. She is vice president of the Washington Humane Society and is a board member of the Cheney Cardiovascular Institute.

This event is sponsored by the Saint Xavier University Office for University Relations.

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

-SXU-