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.

-SXU-

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.

-SXU-

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.

-SXU-

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.

-SXU-

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