SXU’s 2008-09 Catholic Colloquium lecture series continues on Oct. 1SXU’s 2008-09 Catholic Colloquium lecture series continues on Oct. 1

Chicago Public Health Comm. Terry Mason, M.D., tackles health care policy

Chicago (Sept. 30, 2008) Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Terry Mason, M.D., will discuss Catholic social teaching in relation to U.S. health care policy as part of Saint Xavier University’s 2008-09 Catholic Colloquium Series at Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m. at Saint Xavier’s Chicago campus at 3700 W. 103rd St.

The lecture is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Butler Reception Room located in the Warde Academic Center. It will be the second in a four-part series covering the 2008-09 academic year.

“Dr. Mason’s extraordinary skill as a physician at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, is well- known,” SXU Vice President for University Mission and Heritage Sr. Susan Sanders, R.S.M., Ph.D., said. “I am eager to hear his views on urban health care and the direction it might take if our next U.S. president were guided by specific Catholic social principles.”

Mason was appointed Public Health Commissioner by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in 2005 and is leading the mission to make Chicago one of the nation’s healthiest cities. He champions holistic approaches to health management, the role of family in building healthier communities and the elimination of disparities for underserved communities.

He served as chief of Urology at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago and as assistant professor of surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago's (UIC) College of Medicine. He is a faculty member at UIC’s School of Public Health.

Mason’s popular radio talk show, Doctor in the House, airs on WVON radio each week, and he is a frequent guest on local as well as national television and radio programs.

The 2008-09 Catholic Colloquium series focuses on four key principles of Catholic social teaching, which include human dignity; the common good; solidarity with those who suffer, especially the poor; and subsidiartity, where those who are closest to issues are the ones encouraged most to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

The annual series is sponsored by the Office for University Mission and Heritage. For more information about the lecture series, please contact Kathy Mareska at (773) 298- 3981.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Rick Ducat

773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

SXU using “Clean Source” energy to power new green residence hall

Renewable energy to power O’Brien Hall for next two years

Chicago (Sept. 30, 2008) Saint Xavier University has purchased 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of “Clean Source” alternative energy over the next two years to power a new eco-friendly student residence hall.

The “Clean Source” energy used in the soon to be dedicated Mother Agatha O’Brien Hall will prevent the emission of more than 817,000 pounds of CO2. This is the equivalent of not burning about 755,000 pounds of coal, not driving about 1.78 million miles, or planting about 6,700 mature trees.

The energy comes from Renewable Choice Energy’s Green-e program and is managed by the nonprofit Center for Solutions. SXU purchased the energy in accord with the College and University Presidents Climate Commitment to reduce CO2 emissions on campus and utilize alternative energy resources. Saint Xavier was the first university in the city of Chicago to sign the Climate Commitment.

SXU’s clean energy producers include: The New Hope Power Partnership, a biomass cogeneration facility; Belleville Hydroelectric, a run of river operation that does not obstruct fish migration; Elk River Wind Farm, which contains 100 General Electric wind turbines; and the Mass Hill Wind Farm that uses 28 General Electric wind turbines.

In an Oct. 15 ceremony, the University will officially name the building after Mother Mary Agatha O’Brien, one of the founding Chicago Sisters of mercy to travel here from Ireland in 1846.

The residence hall was built to LEED Gold Environmental Standards as set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council. Last year, SXU’s Arthur Rubloff Hall became the first university building in the state of Illinois to receive the coveted LEED Gold designation from the U.S. Green Building Council for environmentally friendly design elements.

A leader in green practices, Saint Xavier is a member of the Illinois Sustainable University Compact, which has pledged to accomplish multiple environmentally sound goals by Dec. 31, 2010. These goals include energy purchases from renewable sources, reduced carbon emissions, and requiring green building practices for all new construction. More recently, SXU became the first Chicago university to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment, a consortium of 557 other schools nationwide that have pledged to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.

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

Professor attends U.S.-Iran conflicts discussion

Peter N. Kirstein, professor of history at SXU, was part of a panel discussion on “U.S.-Iran Conflicts: Confrontation or Negotiation?” on Thursday, Sept. 25. The event was sponsored by the Center for Global Studies. Other panelists included journalist Eli Lake, senior reporter for the New York Sun, Richard Rupp, associate professor of political science at Purdue University and Christopher Preble, director of foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute.

Kirstein was quoted in a story published by the Times of Northwest Indiana regarding the panel discussion. Click here to view the story.

SXU to celebrate Homecoming weekend Oct. 3-5

Festivities include “Oktoberfest” party, Cougar 5k Run/Walk, football game

Chicago (Sept. 26, 2008) Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to celebrate Saint Xavier University’s 2008 Homecoming with a variety of events from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5 at its Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The Alumni Association will host the annual Golden Graduate Society Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 3 at Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon, followed by the All-Alumni Celebration honoring the classes of 1968, 1978, 1983 and 1988 at 6:30 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room in the Warde Academic Center. Academic Alumni Awards will be presented several distinguished Alumni.

The Oct. 4 activities begin with the 8th Annual Cougar 5k Walk/Run at 9 a.m. at the Shannon Center. Afterwards, the Alumni Association will host a pre-game family festival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with activities for children, including pumpkin painting, a caricature artist, children’s games, clowns, a bean bag tournament, food vendors and more.

The Homecoming football game begins at 1 p.m. with SXU’s Cougars facing off against the Walsh University Cavaliers. After the game, celebrate a Cougar victory at the 5th Quarter Oktoberfest party from 4 to 8 p.m. at Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon. The party will honor the classes of 1998 and 2003 will feature live music, beer tasting, complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.
The weekend will conclude on Oct. 5 with an Alumni Mass at 10 a.m. in McDonough Chapel, followed by the Alumni Association Awards Ceremony and Brunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Butler Reception Room in the Warde Academic Center.

Please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, at (773) 298-3316 or alumni@sxu.edu if you are interested in participating in any of these events. You may also find more information on the alumni website at www.sxu.edu\alumni.

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

Mercy Day celebrates service and SXU’s Mercy heritage

Saint Xavier joins Mercy institutions around the world to recall Mercy Heritage

(from left) Saint Xavier University Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas Chomicz, Vice President for University Mission and Heritage Sr. Susan Sanders, RSM, Ph.D, President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D, and Sr. Mary Jo DeMarco, RSM, ’54, ’66, at the dedication and blessing of a memorial stone honoring the Sisters of Mercy and donors to the Mercy Endowment Challenge Grant on Sept. 24 at SXU’s Chicago campus.

Chicago (Sept. 26, 2008) SXU celebrated its Mercy heritage and core value of service with a variety of activities at the Orland campus on Sept. 23 and at the Chicago campus on Sept. 24. Mercy Day, an all-University observance, marks the start of Mercy-imbued education in Ireland on Sept. 24, 1827.

Students, staff and faculty were encouraged to attend a special Mercy Day liturgy at noon on Sept. 24 in McDonough Chapel. At Orland Park, the Mercy Day prayer service was on Sept. 23 at 12:30 p.m. in the library.

All were encouraged to participate in the central event of the SXU’s Mercy Day celebration, the commissioning of leaders from all segments of the University community. At 4 p.m. at the Academy Bell near the University’s main entrance, representatives of the Sisters of Mercy, trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni were commissioned and blessed for their service of leadership during the coming year.

Unique to Mercy Day 2008 was the dedication and blessing of a memorial stone to honor and thank the Sisters of Mercy and all the donors to the Mercy Endowment Challenge Mercy Challenge Grant. All were welcome to attend this ceremony at 4:30 p.m. outside McDonough Chapel. The generosity of all contributors to the Mercy Challenge has created a solid endowment for the Office for University Mission and Heritage.

Mercy Day celebrates the opening of the first House of Mercy in Ireland on Sept. 24, 1827, marking the beginning of Mercy service to people who are poor, sick or uneducated. Each Mercy Day, Saint Xavier University joins Mercy-inspired institutions around the world to recall its Mercy heritage and renew its commitment to such core values as respect, integrity and service.

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

Elie Wiesel draws more than 3,200 to Saint Xavier University

Author, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Holocaust survivor presented with Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa

Chicago (Sept. 25, 2008)– Author, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel drew more than 3,200 people to the Saint Xavier University Shannon Center Thursday night to hear him speak of his life and work and how they were affected by his experiences as a prisoner of World War II Nazi concentration camps.

Wiesel also received a Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from Saint Xavier University in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to peace and human dignity.

“The third installment of our highly successful SXU Voices and Visions series was a truly special evening,” said Robert Tenczar, vice president for University Relations. “It has been an honor to bring such an important voice for humanity to the city of Chicago.”

(Picture above: Elie Wiesel with Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.)

The City of Chicago recognized Wiesel’s visit by declaring Sept. 25, 2008 Elie Wiesel Day at its Sept. 10th City Council meeting.

Prior to his lecture, Wiesel conducted a classroom discussion with a small group of select Saint Xavier students. SXU English major Ellen Morgan, of Mokena, recently read Wiesel’s book, “Night,” and called the experience of meeting the author in person “indescribable.”

“‘Night’ was so descriptive of what he went through, and to see him come into a room and make people comfortable enough to talk with him about it is an amazing quality to have,” Morgan said.
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 concentration camp, Auschwitz. His mother and younger sister perished, but his two older sisters survived. Wiesel and his father were transported to Buchenwald, where his father died shortly before the camp was liberated in April 1945.

Later as a journalist, he 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.

(Picture to right: Elie Wiesel interviewed by SXU Student Reporter Amanda Holmes, Junior.)

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


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Media Opportunity: Elie Wiesel at Saint Xavier University

What: Elie Wiesel media interview opportunity

Where: Saint Xavier University, 4th Floor Board Room, Warde Academic Center, 3700 West 103rd Street, Chicago, Ill.

When: 5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25 (Please plan to be there 10 minutes early.)

Media interested in attending should please contact Joe Moore at (773) 298-3937 or cell (773) 203-6671. You are also welcome to attend his lecture at 7 p.m in the SXU Shannon Center.

Zientek Named NAIA Offensive Player of the Week

Kansas City, Mo. – Saint Xavier University senior quarterback Jeremy Zientek (Oak Lawn, Ill./Marist) was named the NAIA Football Offensive Player of the Week late Monday for his impressive performance in Saturday’s 61-3 road win over Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.) this past Saturday in Bourbonnais, Ill. Zientek contributed on the first seven of his team’s nine touchdowns in the game and also earned Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Mideast League Offensive Player of the Week honors early Monday morning. Zientek threw five touchdowns passes and rushed for two more scores in the Cougars’ big victory, their first of the 2008 season. It is SXU's first national player of the week honoree in football in nearly a year when former kicker Shane Longest was named the NAIA's Special Teams Player of the Week on October 2, 2007.

In addition to his seven touchdowns on the day, Zientek also completed 29 of his 41 pass attempts for 438 yards and rushed three times for 11 yards. His five touchdown passes tied a 10-year-old record at Saint Xavier University, while the team’s total offense numbers of 654 yards set a new single-game school mark. It was the first time this season that SXU has garnered the weekly national award in any of the three categories, offensive, defensive or special teams.

Saint Xavier (1-2 overall) heads to Deerfield, Ill., on Saturday, September 27, to take on Trinity International University (Ill.) for its final MSFA crossover game of the 2008 season. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start at Leslie Frazier Field in Deerfield.

Tickets sold out for Elie Wiesel at Saint Xavier University

Tickets have sold out for Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Holocaust survivor and the third speaker in the highly successful SXU Voices & Visions Speaker Series at Saint Xavier University in Chicago at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25 in the SXU Shannon Center.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to Mr. Wiesel’s Sept. 25 visit to Saint Xavier University.” said Robert Tenczar, vice president for University Relations. “This third SXU Voices and Visions promises to be a truly special evening.”

Saint Xavier University hosts literacy conference: “Power of Story”

Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m: Workshop for certification as “StoryExploring®” presenter
Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m: Session to include Motheread® President and Founder Nancye Gaj

Chicago (Sept. 19, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s School of Education will host “Power of Story,” a conference for educators on literacy of children and their families using storytelling, children’s literature and the arts.

The event, to be held Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11, will emphasize the highly regarded Motheread® approach to promoting literacy for pre-school through the fifth grade. Motheread, Inc.®, is a private, non-profit organization that develops curriculum and training that combine the teaching of literacy skills with child development and family empowerment issues.

There will be a workshop from 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. registration) to 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10 offering specialized training in Motheread’s® approach to working with children in which participants can receive certification as a StoryExploring® presenter authorized to use the offered curricular. Located in the 4th Floor Board Room of the Warde Academic Center at 3700 West 103rd Street, Chicago, IL, the cost will be free to in-state residents and $325 for out-of-state attendees.

The general session will be held from 9 a.m. (8:30 registration) to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in McGuire Hall of the Warde Academic Center and will cost $30 to attend. Guest speakers and breakout sessions will focus on literacy of children and their families. Nancye Gaj, president and founder of Motheread, Inc.®, will be the keynote speaker.

“We are honored to have Nancye Gaj as our keynote speaker for this event,” said SXU School of Education Dean Beverly Gulley, Ph.D. “Nancye is nationally recognized for her work in literacy of children and families and has made a number of valuable contributions to community service in this area.”

For more information, contact event coordinator Sheila Wright at (773) 298-3880.

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SXU students attend alternative tailgate party

Chicago (Sept. 18, 2008) Saint Xavier University students Mike Schultz of Tinley Park (left) and Eric Perryman of Oak Lawn race wearing disorienting “alcohol fatal-vision” goggles at the Thursday Night Alternative Tailgate party on Sept. 11 in the Chicago Campus Quad. SXU Residence Life offered students a fun alternative to alcoholic pre-game parties with activities such as giveaways, poster-making, a BBQ, information from the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention group and root beer pong.

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

SXU hosts “Breakfast with the Experts” in partnership with BAPA

Scheduled speakers include Chicago White Sox VP, CMO Brooks Boyer, Civic Federation President Laurence Msall and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart

Chicago (Sept. 17, 2008) Saint Xavier University is partnering with the Beverly Area Planning Association to host the “Breakfast with the Experts” 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.

Scheduled speakers include: Chicago White Sox Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Brooks Boyer on Thursday, Nov. 13 at SXU’s Butler Reception Room; 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.

“We look forward to welcoming members of the local business community for this new lecture series with very successful and influential people in the Chicagoland area,” said SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.

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.

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

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Saint Xavier hosts breakfast with legislators Oct. 8

BAPA and Evergreen Park Chamber present 3rd Annual Breakfast With Your Legislators

Chicago (Aug. 17, 2008) Business professionals in the Beverly, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood and Evergreen Park areas are invited to join the Beverly Area Planning Association and the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce for the 3rd annual Breakfast With Your Legislators at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 at Saint Xavier University’s Butler Reception Room at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. Registration and networking begin at 7:30 a.m. followed by breakfast and the program at 8 a.m.

Legislators will meet and mingle with area business people and address the group on current legislative issues. Scheduled attendees include: State Sen. Edward Maloney (D-Chicago); State Rep. James Brosnahan (D-36th); State Rep. Kevin Joyce (D-35th); Cook County Commissioner John Daley; and 19th Ward Ald. Ginger Rugai. Anyone with questions they would like the legislators to consider should email them in advance to businessquestions@bapa.org.

The event, which includes breakfast, is $20 per person for BAPA and Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce members and $30 for non-members. Reservations and prepayment are required by Friday, Oct. 3. Register online at www.bapa.org in the BAPA event tickets section or call 773-233-3100. Please specify to which organization you belong.

Breakfast With Your Legislators is sponsored by AT&T and hosted by Saint Xavier University.

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

City of Chicago declares Sept. 25 “Elie Wiesel Day” in honor of SXU visit

Wiesel also to receive Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa from Saint Xavier

Chicago (Sept. 15, 2008)–The City of Chicago has declared Sept. 25, 2008 Elie Wiesel Day in honor of his speaking engagement that evening at Saint Xavier University. The Chicago City Council approved naming the day for Wiesel at its Sept. 10th meeting.

More than 2,000 tickets have been sold to hear Wiesel, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Holocaust survivor, speak at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25 in the SXU Shannon Center.
Prior to his lecture, Wiesel will conduct a classroom discussion with select Saint Xavier students.

That evening, he will receive a Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from Saint Xavier University in recognition of a lifetime of work dedicated to peace and human dignity.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to Mr. Wiesel’s Sept. 25 visit to Saint Xavier University,” said Robert Tenczar, vice president for University Relations. “This third installment of the SXU Voices and Visions promises to be a truly special evening.”

Elie 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 concentration camp, Auschwitz. His mother and younger sister perished, but his two older sisters survived. Wiesel and his father were transported to Buchenwald, where his father died shortly before the camp was liberated in April 1945.

Later as a journalist, he 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.

General admission tickets are $15 each and are available by visiting Ticketweb at http://www.ticketweb.com/ or by calling toll free (866) 468-3401. A limited number of $200 V.I.P. priority tickets also are available and will include priority seating and admission to an exclusive post-lecture wine and cheese reception with Mr. Wiesel.

Saint Xavier students, faculty and staff are free but must obtain a ticket. Students may contact

Campus Life (L-103) at (773) 341-5060 and faculty and staff may contact the Office of Special Events at (773) 298-3311. Tickets may be picked up with a valid Cougar Card in Campus Life (L-103) or in the SXU Diner weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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 (cell) (773) 203-6671.

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SXU to host Harvest Literacy Conference on Oct. 15

One-day conference to share literacy strategies with teachers, professionals, parents

Chicago (Sept. 15, 2008) The Saint Xavier University School of Education will host the Harvest Literacy Conference, a one-day conference to share literacy strategies with kindergarten through eighth grade teachers, professionals and parents.
The conference is from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at SXU’s Orland Park campus, 18230 Orland Parkway.

Former International Reading Association president Richard Allington, Ph.D., will give the keynote address “Characteristics of Effective Teachers of Reading.” Allington, an education professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, has co-authored two well-known books: “Classrooms That Work: They Can All Read and Write” and “Schools That Work: Where All Children Read and Write.”

Additional speakers will focus on topics in literacy with practical suggestions for the classroom teacher. Please visit www.sxu.edu/harvest/schedule.asp for a complete listing of topics and speakers.

Saint Xavier University is an approved provider of CPDUs through the Illinois State Board of Education. All participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early bird registration is $100 by Friday, Sept. 25. Registration after Sept. 25 is $125. The fee includes continental breakfast, lunch and instructional and workshop materials.
To register for the Harvest Literacy conference or for more information, please call (708) 802-6200. Participants also may register online at www.sxu.edu/harvest/register.asp or by printing and mailing a registration form at http://www.sxu.edu/SharedDocuments/ACASOE/HarvestLiteracyConferenceRegistration.pdf.

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

SXU leaders meet with University of Jordan students and faculty

Visitors tour SXU campus, discuss religion’s role in higher education

Sr. Susan Sanders, R.S.M., Ph.D., (left) leads the Jordanian delegation on a tour of Saint Xavier University’s Chicago Campus.

Chicago (Sept. 3, 2008) Saint Xavier University recently hosted a delegation of seven graduate students, a faculty member and three interpreters from the University of Jordan’s Islamic studies department.

The Jordanian delegation visited America through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. They came to learn about the role of faith in American society as a whole, the role of religion in public and private universities, especially faith-based universities, the diversity of Islam in America and the importance of religious pluralism and tolerance in American civic life. The delegation also hoped to establish ongoing links with American students to improve understanding of Islam and to promote mutual understanding between Jordanians and Americans.

The visitors met with Center for Religion and Public Discourse Director Sister Susan Sanders, RSM, Ph.D., who also serves as SXU vice president for University Mission and Heritage, and Graham School of Management Dean James Brodzinski, Ph.D. to learn more about SXU and its programs on Aug. 22 in SXU’s Graham Conference Room. The visitors also met with University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.

“Saint Xavier University greatly appreciated this opportunity to discuss the role of religion in U.S. universities and, in particular, the Catholic and Mercy dimensions of our university,” Sanders said. “I was happy to be able to tell them about the significant contributions that our Muslim students make to our university’s intellectual, cultural, and spiritual life.”

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

SXU 2008-09 film series begins with “Metropolis”

Series theme is “Film and the City”

Chicago (Sept. 3, 2008) A screening of the 1927 silent film “Metropolis” will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in Saint Xavier University’s McGuire Hall, Warde Academic Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The screening, which is free and open to the public, is the first film in the 2008-2009 SXU Film Series.

Director Fritz Lang set his classic science fiction film in the year 2027..Soaring skyscrapers and futuristic technology are the background for urban society’s timeless struggle between lower class workers and the elite few.

Decades ahead of its time, the film continues to impress contemporary audiences with its use of German expressionism and modernism, and innovative special effects. The film is set to the music of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss and contains the popular apocalyptic hymn Dies Irae.

The film is 114 minutes and will be projected by DVD. This year’s film series, titled “Film and the City,” is partially supported by a grant from 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

Saint Xavier University students move into new green residence hall

Hall’s eco-friendly design blends comfort and sustainability

Chicago (Sept. 3, 2008) More than 100 Saint Xavier University students recently moved into a new environmentally friendly residence hall at SXU’s Chicago campus, located at 3700 W. 103rd St.

The 36,664 square-foot residence hall is the sixth co-ed residence hall at the Chicago campus. In an Oct. 15 ceremony, the University will officially name the building after Mother Mary Agatha O’Brien, R.S.M., in recognition of her founding role as one of the original Chicago Sisters of Mercy. O’Brien was the first superior of the Sisters of Mercy who originally came to Chicago from Ireland in 1846. She was 24 at the time.

The hall was built to LEED Gold Environmental Standards as set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council. Last year, SXU’s Arthur Rubloff Hall became the first university building in the state of Illinois to receive the coveted LEED Gold designation from the U.S. Green Building Council for environmentally friendly design elements.

The new hall was designed to use both natural and mechanical ventilation, and a 50-foot high circular glass stair tower draws tempered air to assist in summer night pre-cooling and winter heating. This concept improves building energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
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, and the rain garden filters roof water runoff.

The indoor air quality in the student rooms is significantly above American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE) standards. All student rooms have windows that can be opened to promote natural ventilation air patterns, harvest natural daylight and allow beautiful views of the Saint Xavier campus, providing all students with a closer connection to nature.

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. The construction management firm is Henry Bros. Co. Civil engineering was conducted by Terra Civil Engineering. Environmental Systems Design, Inc. provided a mechanical engineering design.

Last spring, ASHRAE presented Saint Xavier University and Environmental Systems Design, Inc. with Chapter and Regional Engineering Technology Awards for Rubloff Hall. The awards recognized achievements in the design of new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

A leader in green practices, Saint Xavier is a member of the Illinois Sustainable University Compact, which has pledged to accomplish multiple environmentally sound goals by Dec. 31, 2010. These goals include energy purchases from renewable sources, reduced carbon emissions, and requiring green building practices for all new construction. More recently, SXU became the first Chicago university to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment, joining 557 other schools nationwide in a pledge to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.


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

SXU’s Merwick Academy returns to Chicago campus

Academy provides tutoring for elementary and high school students

Chicago (Sept. 2, 2008) Saint Xavier University’s Merwick Academy recently moved back to SXU’s Chicago Campus, located at 3700 W. 103rd St.

The Merwick Academy, which was previously located at United Methodist Church, provides educational support and tutoring for elementary and high school students in a variety of subjects. Students work in small groups with trained teachers or SXU School of Education students to create individualized learning plans.

Elementary and middle school subjects include reading, math, language arts and writing, study skills, introductory Spanish and Catholic high school test preparation. High school subjects include American and world history, literature, Spanish, music, art, biology, chemistry, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, English and study skills.

The Merwick Academy is now located behind Pacelli Hall, and classes begin Sept. 8. For more information about the Merwick Academy, please call (773) 298-3181.

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