Margaret Corbett Daley to be Commencement speaker at Saint Xavier University Commencement

(April 29, 2008) – Margaret Corbett Daley will be the Commencement speaker at Saint Xavier University’s undergraduate Commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17 in the SXU Shannon Center. She will receive a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa.

James J. McDonough will be the Commencement speaker at the 3 p.m. graduate Commencement ceremony in the SXU Shannon Center. He will receive a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa.

Margaret Corbett Daley “Maggie” is the first lady of Chicago and chair of the Board of Directors of After School Matters, an umbrella organization for out-of-school programs. By partnering with the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and over 100 Community-Based Organizations, After School Matters provides teens with the opportunity to engage in constructive activities during the crucial after-school hours. Dedicated instructors with professional experience in their field of expertise help Chicago’s youth meet the challenges that await them by developing marketable job skills and building confidence by showcasing their talents.

Today, After School Matters is recognized as one of the strongest after-school initiatives nationwide and is acknowledged as the largest program of its kind, offering teenagers over 28,000 opportunities in 58 high schools, ASM’s Center for the Arts, located downtown and community-based organizations throughout the city.

Daley is also the chair of the Chicago Cultural Center Foundation. The Foundation develops and coordinates citizen, corporate and other foundation support for the Chicago Cultural Center, where Chicagoans and visitors can experience for free the City’s rich multi-cultural life.
She continues to provide leadership to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. Her extraordinary service includes: a member of the Board of Directors for The Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago; the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Caner Center at Northwestern University; the Children at the Crossroads Foundation; the Golden Apple Foundation, and the Pathways Awareness Foundation. For 13 years, Maggie served as president of the Pathways Awareness Foundation.

From 1992 to 2000, President William J. Clinton appointed Mrs. Daley to the President’s Committee for the Arts and Humanities. Maggie served as a trustee for the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Saint Ignatius College Prep, and Mount Carmel High School. Since 1989, she has served as a trustee for the Francis Xavier Warde Schools. Mrs. Daley is a recipient of four honorary degrees. She and her husband, Mayor Richard M. Daley, received the Shield of Saint Xavier in 1990.

James J. McDonough is Chairman of the Board and CEO of McDonough Associates, Incorporated, an engineering/architectural consulting firm engaged in civil, structural, environmental and transportation engineering and architectural design.

McDonough continues to provide leadership to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. His extraordinary service includes: appointment to the Chicago Transit Authority’s Board, and subsequently Chairman; Chairman of the American Public Transit Association and an Associate Member of its Board of Governors; President of the American Public Works Association; and Chairman of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Association of Commerce and Industry. He continues to serve on numerous boards, including Chairman of the Board for the Mercy Foundation; the Mercy Health System; the Mercy Hospital and Medical Center; the J. L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University; the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau; and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

McDonough graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1951 and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialty major of transportation in 1955 from John Carroll University. From 1956 to 1958, he served with the 8th Army in Seoul, Korea, as the Area Transportation Officer. From 1958 to 1974, Mr. McDonough had an outstanding career in public works management and public transit administration with the City of Chicago, Department of Streets and Sanitation.

He was appointed the Commissioner of Streets and Sanitation in 1969. While Chairman of the Chicago Transit Authority, McDonough joined Murphy Engineering Incorporated as President in December 1974. In 1980, he became the majority owner of the firm, subsequently changing its names to McDonough Associates to reflect this change of ownership. From 1974 to 2007, he was the President of McDonough Associates, Inc.

McDonough served on the Board of Trustees for Saint Xavier University from 1985 to 1997, serving as Chairman from 1989 to 1997. The Board of Trustees elected him a Life Trustee in 1998. He and Jacque, his wife, received the Shield of Saint Xavier in 1998.

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

SXU hosts CINE’s 7th Annual Summer Institute

Conference to focus on aging in the nursing industry

Chicago (April 28, 2008) Saint Xavier University will host the Chicago Institute for Nursing Education’s 7th Annual Summer Institute from June 25 through June 27 at the Butler Reception Room in the Warde Academic Center, located at 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The 2008 Institute day will focus on the “graying” of the nursing industry in which the average ages of nurses and nurse instructors is rising. Several speakers will address what implications an aging profession and population have on nursing education and practice.

Keynote speakers include: Jennie Chin Hansen, R.N., M.S., F.A.A.N.; Barbara J. Hatcher, Ph.D, MPH, R.N.; and Kristen Mauk, Ph.D, M.S.N.

Hansen is the American Association of Retired Persons’ President-Elect for the 2006-2008 biennium and will be president in May. She teaches nursing at San Francisco State University and chairs a nurse leadership grant focused on acute care hospitals and safety at UCSF's Center for the Health Professions.

Hatcher is Director of the Center for Learning & Global Public Health for the American Public Health Association. She oversees Global Health, Learning & Professional Development Programs and Public Health Systems & Partnerships. Hatcher led recent research about aging and the nurse workforce and produced a white paper titled “Wisdom at Work: The Importance of Older and Experienced Nurses in the Workforce.”

Mauk is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Valparaiso University and holds the Kreft Endowed Chair for the Advancement of Nursing Science, a position dedicated to furthering gerontological nursing. Mauk has 25 years of experience in rehabilitation and gerontological nursing, and teaches courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

The event costs $170 for one day or $399 for all three days. Events will be held Wednesday, June 25 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, please contact Maureen Christie at (773) 298-3706 or mchristie@sxu.edu.

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

SXU’s Health Center offers physicals for children

Available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 3 through 5

Chicago (April 28, 2008) Saint Xavier University is offering children’s physicals from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 3 through June 5 at its Health Center, located at 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

Nurse practitioners will provide school, sport or camp physicals by appointment for $40. The majority of state-required immunizations are also available for $10 per vaccine. Parents must provide a copy of the child's immunization record.

"True to Saint Xavier University’s Mission and Core Values, we are happy to provide this service to the community,” said Health Center Director Monica Ryan, DNP, APRN, BC. “We encourage parents and guardians to take advantage of scheduling a school physical early in the summer months."

To schedule an appointment or for more information, contact the University Health Center at (773) 298-3712.

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

Funding available to pursue graduate nursing education at Saint Xavier University

Nurse Faculty Loan Program for R.N.’s with B.S.N. who want to teach

Chicago (April 28, 2008) Baccalaureate-prepared nurses who are interested in teaching in a school of nursing should contact the Saint Xavier School of Nursing to learn more about the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.

Saint Xavier University is a participant in the NFLP, a federal program that provides tuition support for nurses pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing. After completing the M.S.N., students who receive funding through NFLP teach four years in a school of nursing, after which 85 percent of the loan is forgiven.

Students complete the SXU Clinical Nurse Leader track and three additional courses in nursing education. The entire program takes approximately three years to finish. SXU currently has eight students supported by NFLP scheduled to graduate in December 2008. Applications are being accepted now for new students who meet the admission criteria, which include a B.S.N. degree and current licensure as a registered nurse. New students may begin the program in fall 2008 or spring 2009 semester.

For further information regarding admission criteria and application for the NFLP, contact Michele Poradzisz, Interim Associate Dean of the graduate program, at 773-298-3708 or email poradzisz@sxu.edu.

"There is a serious shortage of nursing school faculty, and this is expected to continue for several years,” Poradzisz said. “This is an excellent opportunity for nurses whose career goals include teaching to obtain a master's degree and the preparation they need to be faculty in a school of nursing.”

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Saint Xavier’s Shane Longest Signs As Free Agent With Chicago Bears

CHICAGO – Saint Xavier University senior placekicker Shane Longest (Wilmington, Ill./Wilmington) was picked up as a free agent by the Chicago Bears as the 2008 NFL Draft wrapped up its final picks of the seventh and final round late Sunday afternoon. Longest will officially sign a contract with the Bears later this week and will report to mini-camp in the near future. Details of the contract have not been disclosed.

“I am very excited to sign with the Chicago Bears, especially considering I get to stay close to home,” said Longest. “It has been a fun experience with the NFL Combine and now the NFL Draft, but I’m really looking forward to getting into a camp this summer and showing what I can do.”

Longest had a monster senior season with the Cougars last fall helping lead the team to the quarterfinals of the 2007 NAIA Championship Series. He handled all kicking duties (field goals, punting, and kickoffs) for the team in 2007 and excelled in every facet. Longest led the entire NAIA with 27 field goals made this past fall and was also the NAIA’s third best punter with a 43.2 yards per punt average. In December 2007, he was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA)-NAIA Coaches’ All-America Team and was one of just three specialists to make the team.

For more information, contact Rob Huizenga at (773) 298

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SXU School of Nursing students go to Springfield

Photo from left to right: SXU School of Nursing students Glenysdalis Borges of Chicago, Ugonwa Adugba of Melrose Park, Deidra Sanford of Chicago, Amanda Dunn of Homewood, and Lynda Garrison of Riverdale stand in front of the state capitol in Springfield. A group of 35 Saint Xavier University School of Nursing students attended the annual Student Nurse Lobby Day in Springfield, Ill. on April 9, 2008.

The annual event, sponsored by the Illinois Nurses Association, was created to educate student nurses on current issues in health policy and how to be a health policy advocate. Students had an opportunity to march to the Capitol following the program to visit with their members of the Illinois House and Senate. The Saint Xavier students joined more 1,100 nursing students from around the state.

Angela Durante, Ph.D., to be Saint Xavier University provost; Appointment to begin July 8

Chicago (April 24, 2008) Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., announced today the appointment of Angela Durante, Ph.D., to serve as University provost. Durante will succeed Dominick Hart, Ph.D., who retires July 1.

“Angela Durante is known for her leadership, collegiality and collaborative decision making abilities,” said President Dwyer. “I am delighted that she has agreed to serve as provost for Saint Xavier University.”

Durante comes to Saint Xavier from Lewis University in Romeoville, where she currently serves as dean of the Lewis University College of Arts and Sciences, professor of sociology, and academic associate to the provost.

“Saint Xavier University’s long tradition of excellence is demonstrated by its outstanding faculty and staff, its quality programs and its engaged community,” Durante said. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide academic leadership and vision and to advance the university’s strategic plan and mission.”

Among her accomplishments as dean, Durante established initiatives to strengthen college infrastructure in program and faculty evaluation processes, expansion of graduate education and online education, and support of undergraduate programming. She established short and long range budgeting, personnel planning and technology planning to address college infrastructure and to manage planned growth.

Durante also developed a project for departments to establish a vision plan for distinctiveness and excellence drawing on current expertise, responding to trends in the academic field and to the marketplace. She developed key departments to expand Lewis University’s academic base and expertise and to extend its reach to new publics.

Durante came to Lewis in 1999 as associate dean and as associate professor of sociology. In that role she was responsible for directing college-wide efforts that included initiation and implementation of a comprehensive program review process and on-line education. She oversaw the initiation of an international language project under a Title III grant.

As acting dean, Durante oversaw a stable transition of leadership of the College of Arts and Sciences, initiated a three-year planning process for technology and introduced conversations and study of the quality of faculty life and work.

Durante's career in higher education spans 29 years. During this time she has held both administrative and faculty positions. At National-Louis University she was director of the University Division of Continuing Education and Outreach, and division dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. She also has been vice president for Enrollment Management and Planning at Aurora University, director of University Affairs at Fordham University, and director of University Relations Planning and Operations at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Her faculty appointments have been in sociology and adult education departments. She is a former chair of the Illinois Network of Women Leaders in Higher Education that is affiliated with the Office of Women in Higher Education of the American Council on Education.

Durante's recent scholarly activity includes presentations and publications in the area of technology mediated education. She is co-author of a study entitled "Users’ Perception of Web-based Portion of Hybrid Distance Learning Model" in the Journal of Information Technology Education. Her earlier work has been on the sociological impacts in higher education, particularly in student retention, communication and urban populations.

Durante earned her bachelor’s degree from New Jersey City University and her master’s degree and doctorate from Fordham University.

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

Tickets available May 1 for Elie Wiesel at Saint Xavier University

Chicago (April 22, 2008) – Tickets go on sale 12 p.m., Thursday, May 1, to see Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel as the third speaker in the highly successful SXU Voices & Visions Speaker Series at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. Wiesel will speak at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25.

Tickets may be purchased for $15 plus a service charge per ticket via www.ticketweb.com or 866-468-3401. Priority seating tickets are also available for $200 via Ticketweb, which includes admission to a special wine and cheese reception after the lecture.

Prior to his lecture, Wiesel will conduct a special classroom discussion with Saint Xavier students.

“We are very pleased that Mr. Wiesel will continue our tradition of bringing international figures to the Chicago area,” said Robert Tenczar, vice president for University Relations. “We received tremendous response to our first two SXU Voices and Visions speakers, Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.).”

Wiesel was born in 1928 in Sighet, Transylvania, which is now part of Romania. He was 15 when he and his family were deported by the Nazis to the Auschwitz concentration camp. His mother and younger sister perished, but his two older sisters survived. Elie and his father were transported to Buchenwald, where his father died shortly before the camp was liberated in April 1945.

Wiesel later became a journalist and was persuaded to write about his experiences. The result was his internationally acclaimed memoir, “La Nuit” or “Night,” which has since been translated into more than 30 languages.

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter appointed Wiesel as Chairman of the President's Commission on the Holocaust. In 1980, he became the Founding Chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. He is also the Founding President of the Paris-based Universal Academy of Cultures and the Chairman of The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, an organization he and his wife created to fight indifference, intolerance and injustice. Wiesel has received more than 100 honorary degrees from institutions of higher learning.

Since 1976, he has been the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University. Previously, he served as Distinguished Professor of Judaic Studies at the City University of New York (1972-76) and the first Henry Luce Visiting Scholar in Humanities and Social Thought at Yale University (1982-83).

Wiesel is the author of more than 40 books of fiction and non-fiction, including “A Beggar in Jerusalem” (Prix Médicis winner), “The Testament” (Prix Livre Inter winner), “The Fifth Son” (winner of the Grand Prize in Literature from the City of Paris), and two volumes of his memoirs.

For his literary and human rights activities, he has received numerous awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal and the Medal of Liberty Award, and the rank of Grand-Croix in the French Legion of Honor. In 1986, Wiesel won the Nobel Prize for Peace, and soon after, Marion and Elie Wiesel established The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity.

The event is sponsored by the Office of University Relations and in part by the Student Activities Board.

For more information about the event, please call (773) 298-3311 or e-mail specialevents@sxu.edu. Reporters interested in covering Wiesel’s lecture or taking advantage of a special media opportunity the day of the lecture should contact Director of Media Relations Joe Moore at (773) 298-3937 or (773) 203-6671 (cell).

SXU Chamber Orchestra to perform

Joining University Chorale, Chamber Singers on May 2

Chicago (April 18, 2008) The Saint Xavier University Chamber Orchestra will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2 in SXU’s old gymnasium located in the Warde Academic Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The Chamber Orchestra will join the SXU University Chorale and Chamber Singers to present American composer Howard Hanson’s “Song of Democracy.” It will be their final concert of the 2007-08 school year and will be conducted by Director of Instrumental Ensembles Alicia Neal, D.M.

The concert is open to the public. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and visiting students. Admission is free for all Saint Xavier students, faculty and staff with a valid University ID. For more information, please contact the SXU Music Department at (773) 298-3421, or view the concert schedule at http://www.sxu.edu/music/concerts.asp.

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

SXU hosts Sixth annual Honors Program Conference

Conference to host senior projects

Chicago (April 18, 2008) Saint Xavier University will host its Sixth Annual Honors Program Conference from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 in the SXU Butler Reception Room, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The conference will showcase senior projects from the Honors Program’s 2008 graduating class. Projects represent a wide range of disciplines, including biology, communication, education, literature, philosophy, communication sciences and disorders, music, nursing and political science.

Session 1, “Biological Inquiry: Research in Endocrinology, Pharmacology and Oral Health.”
Session 2, “Interrogating the Cultural Issues of our Time: Bilingualism, Obesity and Diabetes, Magazines and Body Image, the Government of Iran,” will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Session 3, “Odyssey Across the Humanities: Musical Performance, Young Adult Literature, Plato’s Republic, Wrigleyville,” will take place from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The luncheon and awards begin at 12:45.

The SXU Honors Program offers an enriched academic experience to talented and highly motivated students. Honors students may pursue any undergraduate major in the School of Arts and Sciences, Education, Management and Nursing.

To RSVP for the event or for more information, please contact Judith Hiltner at (773) 298-3230 or hiltner@sxu.edu.

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

John Hart delivers SXU Honors Program Guest Lecture; Water activist helped found Caribou Clean Water Partnership

Chicago (April 17, 2008) Water activist John Hart delivered a stirring lecture about the perils of phosphate mining on federal lands in southern Idaho the evening of Wednesday, April 8 in the Butler Reception Room for the Ninth Annual Honors Lecture at Saint Xavier University.

In his lecture, titled “A Partnership for Clean Water: The Politics of Conservation,” Hart described his work to prevent mining pollution in the Greater Yellowstone region and his own quest to protect the natural resources he loves.

Using his skills as a graphic artist, Hart led his audience through 35 years of companies stripping federal lands of phosphate to make fertilizer, releasing poisonous selenium in their wake, killing rare cutthroat trout, ruining the land for livestock and making no significant effort to follow through with promises to restore the land to its former condition.

A front-line activist in the struggle to protect America’s water, Hart is a founding member of the Caribou Clean Water Partnership. The group works to bridge the divide between environmentalists, farmers, ranchers and businesspeople to oppose further expansion of phosphate mining in southeast Idaho. He is Phosphate Campaign communications manager for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.

Later this summer, six SXU honors students taking part in the interdisciplinary honors science course, “The Bio-Politics of Water Pollution,” will travel to southern Idaho to take part in fieldwork to document the effects of mining pollution and to work alongside Hart and his colleagues.

Hart, who is originally from Idaho, said he learned of the pollution after moving back to his home state from the east coast to raise his family. He now aims to spread awareness of the problem and work for a solution.

“John Hart is uniquely skilled to tell this story,” said SXU Philosophy Professor Tom Thorp, who introduced Hart and co-teaches this semester’s honors course with SXU biology Professor Tatiana Tatum. “His passion for the land on which he grew up and which he hopes to pass on to his children is truly contagious.”

Hart recently finished a post as a county administrator and director of economic development. He also has taught digital media, exhibited his art in galleries and museums in New York and Connecticut and illustrated the “Prince Valiant” comic strip.

“John Hart made a deep impression on our audience,” said Tatum. “Our students are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work this summer with such a renowned protector of the environment.”

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

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SXU to reopen Wednesday April 16

Law enforcement officials determine threat no longer viable;Graduate classes resume the evening of Wednesday April 16; Undergraduate classes resume 8:30 a.m., Thursday April 17

Chicago (April 15, 2008) Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., announced today that all Saint Xavier University campuses will reopen Wednesday, April 16. On the evening of Wednesday, April 16th graduate classes at all locations will resume. Undergraduate classes will resume the morning of Thursday, April 17th. University employees are expected to return Wednesday, April 16th at 8:30 a.m. Students who cannot return before the following Monday will not be penalized academically. Students can return to residence halls beginning 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 16.

All University campuses closed until further notice Friday evening due to incidents of threatening graffiti found in a restroom in Regina Hall, a residence hall on SXU’s Chicago campus. The second piece of graffiti noted the date April 14.

“I am deeply proud of the judgment and actions of our University community during this challenging period,” President Dwyer said. “I could not imagine a more dedicated commitment to students. Students and parents can rest assured that in times of emergency this university acts with decisiveness and coordination to ensure safety of everyone.”

Law enforcement officials said the ongoing investigation into the graffiti has discovered nothing else that would indicate the existence of a continuing viable threat or that the April 10th graffiti in Regina Hall remains credible. The investigation continues. A heightened level of police and public safety personnel will remain in effect.

“We are confident in the professionalism and capabilities of our emergency responders as evidenced during the extensive incident pre-planning and continuing coordination with the Chicago's Police and Fire Departments and the City of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications, along with the Chicago Field Office of the FBI,” said SXU Police Chief Paul Kolessar. “We are extremely grateful to these agencies, whose guidance and support have been invaluable.”

Students and parents are encouraged to call the University hotline for additional information: 1-866-209-9945.

For more information contact:
Joe Moore
jmoore@sxu.edu
(773) 298-3937
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University Closing Updates

Updates on Saint Xavier University Closing
April 14, 2008

The multi-agency investigation into threatening graffiti found in Regina Hall continues. The Saint Xavier University campuses remain closed until further notice. Students and non-essential personnel will not be allowed on campus during this period. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and ask that you visit update.sxu.edu regularly for continued updates regarding when the University will re-open. Please call our hotline for additional information: 1-800-462-9288 or 1-866-209-9945.

April 13, 2008
The multi-agency investigation into threatening graffiti written in Regina Hall continues. The Saint Xavier University campuses remain closed until further notice.
The well being of our University community remains our primary concern.
Students and non-essential personnel will not be allowed on campus during this period. Students who live too far away to travel home have been provided with hotel accommodations. Others who could not afford travel were assisted with transportation.

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and ask that you visit update.sxu.edu regularly for continued updates regarding when the University will re-open. Please call our hotline for additional information at 1-800-462-9288.

April 12, 2008 - Student Teaching / MATL Update

All University classes, including all nursing clinicals and all field based MATL classes, and all off campus cohort classes at all sites, are canceled until further notice. The sites will be notified of this situation by, as appropriate, the School of Nursing and the School of Education. Upon the reopening of classes, Nursing students should consult with their advisor.

Student teachers unable to reach their sites because of the closing of the University will be excused from attendance. All sites will be notified that student teachers may not be at the site. Student teachers will receive an email notifying them when the regular schedule is being resumed.

April 11, 2008 - Statement from President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.
Saint Xavier University closed

I would like to quote from Saint Xavier University’s mission statement.
Saint Xavier University, a Catholic institution inspired by the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, educates men and women to search for truth, to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good.
The University commits itself to practicing eight core values as it engages in a search for truth and knowledge. We commit to the values of Respect, Excellence, Compassion, Service, Hospitality, Integrity, Diversity, and Learning for Life.

Two instances of threatening graffiti found on April 5 and April 10 in Regina Hall, a freshman residence hall, have violated the spirit of these values. On the considered advice of the multiple law enforcement agencies pursuing the case, we have chosen to close Saint Xavier University indefinitely beginning tonight due to the specific nature of the second message found on April 10, which read: “Be prepared to die 4/14.”

The closure applies to all University sites, including the Chicago and Orland Park campuses and its Loop location at the Chicago Bar Association. Classes in all university regional locations are also cancelled. Any community events held on campus are still scheduled. The director of auxiliary services will be contacting the event planner to discuss details.

As part of the closure of the campus we ask that students leave campus by noon, Saturday, April 12. Students who may not be able to easily return home or afford transportation should call (773) 341-5060 for assistance. On Saturday and Sunday, Student Affairs personnel will be on hand to assist students and answer questions. The University will take every action possible to ensure that students’ academic careers are disrupted as little as possible.

Individual vice presidents will decide which of their personnel are essential and must work during the time the University is closed.

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and ask that you visit update.sxu.edu regularly for continued updates regarding when the University will re-open. Please call our hotline for additional information at 1-800-462-9288.

During this process we have relied heavily on the advice and direction of our dedicated law enforcement agencies to ensure that actions and communications regarding this matter protect the safety of all involved. We are deeply grateful for their continued guidance and support. Below this message, please find a summary of events leading up to this difficult decision.

Sincerely,

Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.,President


The following is an overview of events regarding Regina Hall:

Late Saturday afternoon, April 5, graffiti of a threatening but non-specific nature was discovered in one of the bathroom stalls in Regina Hall. The incident was reported by staff to the Saint Xavier University Police Department, which in turn contacted the Chicago Police Department.
On finding the first message, Saint Xavier immediately increased professional Residence Life staff in Regina Hall and began dialogs with individual residents.

SXU Police and the Chicago Police increased patrols and have remained on alert for any unusual behavior or activity. While the credibility of the first threat was difficult to determine, the university believed it prudent to err on the side of caution and take several preliminary steps. The professional Residence Life staff in Regina Hall was increased, and officers from the Saint Xavier Police Force remained on alert for any unusual behavior or activity. The Chicago Police Department Area 2 Detective Division responded to campus with evidence technicians, several support officers and increased CPD patrols.

A second threatening message was found in Regina on Thursday, April 10, this one specifically citing April 14. Officers have conducted an aggressive investigation throughout the week. The investigation remains open at this time. Anyone who may have any information that may be helpful in this investigation is asked to call Saint Xavier’s confidential hotline at (773) 298-3838.

April 10, 2008

Additional writing of a threatening nature was discovered on a wall in Regina Hall this morning, April 10. Saint Xavier University continues to work with law enforcement agencies on this matter. Please visit http://www.sxu.edu/relations/regina.asp for updates.

John P. Pelrine, Jr.Vice President for Student Affairs


April 9, 2008

To students, faculty and staff:

Late Saturday afternoon, graffiti was discovered in one of the bathroom stalls in Regina Hall. The incident was reported by Residence Life staff to the Department of Public Safety. Public Safety reported it to the Chicago Police Department. The text of the message, although not specifically directed towards any individual or group, was of a threatening nature.While the credibility of this threat, which lacked any type of specificity, is difficult to determine, we did think it prudent to error on the side of caution and take several preliminary steps. Over the weekend, the professional Residence Life staff in Regina Hall was increased, and officers from Public Safety remained on alert for any unusual behavior or activity. The Chicago Police Department Area 2 Detective Division responded to campus with evidence technicians, several support officers and increased CPD patrols.

A follow-up meeting was conducted on Monday with Area 2 Detectives and representatives from Counseling and Career Services, Residence Life and Public Safety. The investigation remains open at this time. We ask that anyone who may have any information that may be helpful in this investigation, to please call our confidential hotline at extension 3838.

Meetings to discuss the matter with the student residents of Regina Hall have been scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. These meetings will be conducted by professional Residence Life staff members and Public Safety officers.

We are sending letters containing this information to parents, but we ask that students forward this electronic message to parents as well.

John P. Pelrine, Jr.Vice President for Student Affairs

SXU raises nearly $300,000 for student scholarship program

23rd Annual President’s Scholarship Ball breaks fundraising record

(From left) Margaret Daley, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D, Bernadette Keller and the Hon. William M. Daley at Saint Xavier University’s 23rd Annual President’s Scholarship Ball April 14 at the Hilton Chicago. This year’s Ball raised nearly $300,000 in scholarship money, a new fundraising record, for deserving students.

Chicago (April 14, 2008) Saint Xavier University broke its fundraising record at the 23rd Annual President’s Scholarship Ball, raising nearly $300,000 in net proceeds for scholarships for deserving students. More than 500 guests joined the University on April 14 at the Hilton Chicago’s historic Grand Ballroom for an evening of dining and dancing.

Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce William M. Daley was awarded the Shield of Saint Xavier, the university’s highest honor, in recognition of his leadership and service to both Chicago and the entire nation. Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, William Daley’s brother, attended the event.

“This year more than ever, friends of Saint Xavier University have proven their generosity and commitment to higher education,” said University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. “We are delighted to recognize the Hon. William Daley for his long record of dedicated service to this region, particularly to Catholic institutions. We extend our gratitude to the many trustees, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who so generously supported the Ball. Likewise, I am grateful to the Ball’s Co-chairs, Saint Xavier Trustees Joseph Balasa and Ellen Mulaney, and their spouses, Nicolette Balasa and Charles Mulaney, for their extraordinary efforts toward the success of this year’s Ball.”

All proceeds from the ball go to the Presidential Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to Saint Xavier's most deserving students. Since the Ball’s inception in 1985, more than 1,600 students have received Presidential Scholarship awards ranging from $4,580 to $12,000. Currently, 324 SXU students receive Presidential Scholarships.

Daley served as Secretary of Commerce under President Clinton from 1997 to 2000. Today, he heads JP Morgan Chase’s Office of Corporate Social Responsibility and is Chairman of the JP Morgan Chase Foundation. He is a distinguished leader of American commerce, and serves on many boards which support the arts, education, and economic development. Daley is a former trustee of Saint Xavier University.

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

SXU instructors teach mortgage fraud seminar at Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Cover various methods of mortgage fraud, highlighting recent cases investigated by the Chicago Police Department

Chicago (April 10, 2008) Two Saint Xavier University instructors recently taught a seminar at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago about various methods of mortgage fraud and its interplay with identity theft, highlighting recent cases investigated by the Chicago Police Department.

William Kresse and Chicago Police Detective Sergeant John Lucki led the seminar at the LaSalle Street headquarters of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, while additional federal bank examiners participated via conference line from branch offices in Des Moines and Detroit.

Kresse is assistant professor in the Graham School of Management and director of its graduate programs in financial fraud examination and management. Lucki is an adjunct professor at the Graham School of Management.

Kresse and Lucki were invited to speak to the federal bank examiners by the Supervision and Regulation Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, which sponsored the seminar. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks that, along with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., make up the nation's central bank.

Using data gleaned from their continuing study of identity theft in the City of Chicago, Kresse and Lucki discussed the means and extent to which identity theft has contributed to mortgage fraud and the current situation in the banking industry.

“While the subprime crisis has most directly affected the banking industry, including giants like Bear Stearns, the crisis has generated ripples that have buffeted the U.S. economy from many directions,” said Kresse. “Banking and regulatory officials must understand, ferret out, and prevent the various frauds that greatly contributed to this crisis if faith in the American economy is to be restored.”

Funded by the Institute for Fraud Prevention, the Saint Xavier University Study of Identity Theft in the City of Chicago is the most extensive academic study of actual cases of identity theft ever conducted. Kresse, Lucki, and Kathleen Watland, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Graham School of Management, are the principle researchers of the Chicago Identity Theft Study. The complete Saint Xavier University/Chicago Police Department study is available at the Institute’s website: www.theifp.org.

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. The 40,000-member Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the world’s leading organization for anti-fraud professionals, recently named Kresse its “Educator of the Year.”

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.

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

SXU nursing student honored by Cook County Board for work in Bolivia

Eileen Muldoon recognized for treating children with cleft palates

Chicago (April 9, 2008) The Cook County Board of commissioners honored Saint Xavier University student Eileen Muldoon on Wednesday, April 9 for her recent volunteer work treating more than 120 children with cleft palates and lips in Bolivia.

The Board approved a resolution recognizing the Mount Greenwood resident’s “dedicated service to … the children of Santa Cruz, Bolivia” as part of a 10-day trip with Operation Smile, a worldwide medical charity dedicated to providing reconstructive surgery to underprivileged children.

“I’m grateful for the experience,” said Muldoon, a nursing graduate student and nurse at Mercy Hospital in Chicago. “The tears and looks of relief on some of the mothers’ faces, it really gave me a sense of wholeness.”

Children with cleft palates and lips often are afflicted with speech impediments, have trouble eating and face social rejection – difficulties Muldoon personally understands. Muldoon herself was born with a cleft palate that took three surgeries to correct, and her daughter also was treated for a cleft palate.

“Eileen’s personal commitment to aiding children suffering from this treatable condition is exemplary,” said Kay Thurn, SXU’s interim dean of nursing. “She truly represents the mission and core values of Saint Xavier University’s nursing program.”

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

More than 300 attend SXU’s fifth annual Health Fair

Participants get free health screenings, prizes

(left) An attendee at Saint Xavier University’s Fifth Annual Health Fair enjoys a free mini-massage. More than 300 people attended the fair for free health screening and information.

Chicago (April 8, 2008) More than 300 people attended Saint Xavier University’s fifth annual Health Fair on March 28 in SXU’s Shannon Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

Attendees enjoyed free health screenings and information, mini-massages and refreshments. More than 40 people won raffle prizes donated by local vendors, such as gift certificates, gym memberships, healthy eating cookbooks and exercise equipment. Heartland Blood Centers was also on-site for those who wished to donate blood. The event was co-sponsored by the Shannon Center and SXU’s Health Center.

“The Health Fair helped reach out to the surrounding community with information about healthy and active lifestyles,” said Jennifer Kjos, facility manager of Saint Xavier University’s Shannon Center and organizer of the event.



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

SXU Jazz Band holds Spring Concert

Friday, April 18 at Beverly Arts Center

Chicago (April 8, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s Jazz Band will perform a Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 18 at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago.

The Jazz Band will perform music by Count Basie, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, W.C. Handy, Thelonious Monk and others.

The concert is open to the public. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and visiting students. Admission is free for all Saint Xavier students, faculty and staff with a valid University ID. For more information, please contact SXU’s Music Department at (773) 298-3421, or view the concert schedule at http://www.sxu.edu/music/concerts.asp.

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

SXU hosts “The Music of her Visions – Hildegard von Bingen – A Celebration in Word, Song and Sight”

April 19 performance features art, music

Chicago (April 8, 2008) Saint Xavier University will host “The Music of Her Visions – Hildegard von Bingen” at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Mercy Chapel, 3737 W. 99th St., Chicago.

The program highlights the music and art of Hildegard von Bingen, an influential 12th century composer and poet. The SXU Chamber Singers will perform selections from several of von Bingen’s chants, including The Ursula Antiphons, Columba aspexit from Sequentia de Sancto Maximino, Caritas Abundat (Canticle of Ecstasy,) Sed Diabolus, and O viridissima virga.

SXU Director of the Chamber Singers Jan Bickel, D.M.A., will discuss the theoretical aspects of the compositions and how they relate to Hildegard’s life and work.

Religious Studies Prof. Avis Clendenen, Ph.D., will discuss Hildegard’s illuminations as the audience views projections of the artwork.

“It will be a truly medieval experience in the 21st Century,” Bickel said.

The concert is open to the public. Tickets cost $10. For more information, please contact SXU’s Music Department at (773) 298-3421, or view the concert schedule at http://www.sxu.edu/music/concerts.asp.

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

SXU Concert Band to perform on April 24

Concert features songs from around the world

Chicago (April 7, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s Concert Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at the Beverly Art Center located at 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago.

The Concert Band will perform songs and dances from various cultures and historical periods from around the world. The evening includes a guest performance by the University Chamber Singers. It will be conducted by Director of Instrumental Ensembles Alicia Neal, D.M.

The concert is open to the public. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and visiting students. Admission is free for all Saint Xavier students, faculty and staff with a valid University ID. For more information, please contact SXU’s Music Department at (773) 298-3421, or view the concert schedule at http://www.sxu.edu/music/concerts.asp.

-SXU-

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

SXU students invited to increase awareness of alcohol, sexual assault

Spring Safety Fest ’08 on Thursday, April 17

Chicago (April 2, 2008) Students are invited to learn about alcohol and sexual assault at Saint Xavier University’s Spring Safety Fest ’08 on Thursday, April 17 in Parking Lot 2 of the University, located at 3700 W. 103rd Street, Chicago.

“This event will bring awareness and education about important and sensitive issues to our students,” said Michelle Bohacik, coordinator of the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program. “We hope to provide trustworthy and reliable resources that students may seek out when needed.”

The Spring Safety Fest includes free food, a DUI Simulator, drug abuse and sexually transmitted disease educational information, and sexual assault awareness information.

April is both Alcohol Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

For more information about the Fest, please contact Bohacik at (773) 298-3914 or bohacik@sxu.edu.

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

SXU alum named finalist in teaching awards

Joan Kenney in running for 2008 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards

Chicago (April 1, 2008) Saint Xavier University alumna and educator Joan Kenney was named one of 17 finalists for the 2008 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards.

Kenney, a Lombard resident who received a master’s in education from SXU in 2004, is a preschool teacher at Dever Elementary School in Chicago.

Five of the nominees will be chosen to represent the best of the field following a final application process that includes additional site visits and interviews by members of the Kohl McCormick Academy of Outstanding Educators. The five representatives will be announced in April, and they will be honored at the 2008 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards luncheon ceremony on Tuesday, June 3, at the Westin River North in Chicago.

Each of the five winners will receive: a $5,000 cash award, a $1,000 cash award for the winner's school or center, a classroom visit from the StoryBus, providing hands-on learning for early literacy, a classroom field trip at the Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago, a day of professional development from the Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago and a graduate-level course at Chicago's renowned Erikson Institute. Each also will be inducted into the Kohl McCormick Academy of Outstanding Educators.

-SXU-

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

SXU alum named finalist in teaching awards

Joan Kenney in running for 2008 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards

Chicago (April 1, 2008) Saint Xavier University alumna and educator Joan Kenney was named one of 17 finalists for the 2008 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards.

Kenney, a Lombard resident who received a master’s in education from SXU in 2004, is a preschool teacher at Dever Elementary School in Chicago.

Five of the nominees will be chosen to represent the best of the field following a final application process that includes additional site visits and interviews by members of the Kohl McCormick Academy of Outstanding Educators. The five representatives will be announced in April, and they will be honored at the 2008 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards luncheon ceremony on Tuesday, June 3, at the Westin River North in Chicago.

Each of the five winners will receive: a $5,000 cash award, a $1,000 cash award for the winner's school or center, a classroom visit from the StoryBus, providing hands-on learning for early literacy, a classroom field trip at the Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago, a day of professional development from the Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago and a graduate-level course at Chicago's renowned Erikson Institute. Each also will be inducted into the Kohl McCormick Academy of Outstanding Educators.

-SXU-

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