Mary Schmich speaks at Saint Xavier University's Squeaky Weal Lecture

Chicago Tribune columnist delights at Saint Xavier University

Chicago (April 2, 2009) Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich delighted a full Butler Reception Room at Saint Xavier University on Tuesday, March 31, when she delivered her lecture, “Adapt or Die: Surviving Change in the New Millennium.”

Schmich drew laughter and, just as often, sounds of commiseration as she described traditional print journalism’s struggle to adapt to Web-based competitors. Drawing equally on her time as a journalist going back to the days of President Carter and her 15 years of yoga, Schmich explained her belief that some things must be let go in order to adapt. She answered questions from the audience ranging from the current climate at the Chicago Tribune, which recently declared bankruptcy, to her own spirituality.

“Ms. Schmich’s insights into the nature and challenges of change in all aspects of our lives were so real, so familiar,” said Sister Joy Clough, R.S.M., coordinator of the Squeaky Weal Lecture Series. “So often listeners recognized themselves in her reflections, and those present were very pleased with the honesty, wit, and wisdom of her presentation.”

Saint Xavier’s Squeaky Weal lecture series explores issues of public concern with an emphasis on their religious, moral or ethical implications for the common good. 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, or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: Squeaky Weal.

-SXU-