SXU receives $598,000 National Science Foundation grant

Funding will aid computer science and computer studies majors

Chicago (May 29, 2009) Saint Xavier University received a $598,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program to provide financial, academic and career-planning assistance to students majoring in computer science and computer studies.

The four-year award targets first-generation college students from underrepresented populations in the computing field, such as women and minorities.

“This generous grant ensures our students, particularly those from backgrounds underrepresented in the computer industry, are prepared to compete in a complex and constantly evolving field,” said Saint Xavier President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.

The award implements a community-building approach to support academic success, retention through graduation and employment or graduate school placement in the computing field.
The program is designed to build students’ confidence in a challenging field and expose them to careers in computing. Opportunities for students include faculty- and peer-mentoring, seminars, comprehensive career-planning, tutoring, internships, service learning, research, conference attendance and social gatherings.

Computer science Professor Florence Appel, D.A., will direct the program. Computer science Professor Jean Mehta, D.A., and Director of Career Services Jean Riordan will assist Appel as co-directors.

“This grant will enable us to attract more talented students into the computing field and provide them with meaningful support,” Appel said. “We know in these difficult economic times, annual scholarships can make a huge difference for our students.”

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WXAV 88.3 FM Interviews Conan O'Brien

Interview with new host of The Tonight Show airs at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 4

Chicago (May 28, 2009) Saint Xavier University’s student radio station, WXAV 88.3 FM, will air an interview with Conan O’Brien on Thursday, June 4. To stream WXAV live, please visit www.wxav.com.

Saint Xavier senior and mass communications student Jeff LaMorte represented WXAV in the conference call interview with the new host of The Tonight Show.

O’Brien discusses following in Jay Leno’s footsteps, comedian Andy Richter’s role on the program, his first show’s guests (Will Farrell and Pearl Jam) and more.

Other participants in the conference call included The New York Times, the New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and ABC radio.

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SXU to hold annual Summer Concert on June 28

Performance by Roy Vombrack Orchestra

Chicago (May 26, 2009) Saint Xavier University invites the community to its annual free outdoor Summer Concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 28, on the front lawn of the Chicago campus at 3700 W. 103rd St.

The Roy Vombrack Orchestra, from the Orchestra 33 entertainment group, will perform crowd-pleasing favorites for listening and dancing. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at approximately 9:45 p.m.

The concert is free and open to the public, and picnickers are welcome. Refreshments will be available for purchase from The Original Rainbow Cone, Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon, Tastee Freez, Cougar Pause and the SXU Alumni Board.

A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 19. For more information, please contact Saint Xavier’s Office of Special Events at (773) 298-3311 or specialevents@sxu.edu.

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Saint Xavier holds annual Summer Concert on June 28

Performance by Roy Vombrack Orchestra

Chicago (May 26, 2009) Saint Xavier University invites the community to its annual free outdoor Summer Concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 28, on the front lawn of the Chicago campus at 3700 W. 103rd St.

The Roy Vombrack Orchestra, from the Orchestra 33 entertainment group, will perform crowd-pleasing favorites for listening and dancing. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at approximately 9:45 p.m.

The concert is free and open to the public, and picnickers are welcome. Refreshments will be available for purchase from The Original Rainbow Cone, Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon, Tastee Freez, Cougar Pause and the SXU Alumni Board.

A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 19. For more information, please contact Saint Xavier’s Office of Special Events at (773) 298-3311 or specialevents@sxu.edu.

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SXU wraps up 2009 Leadership Academy of the South Suburbs sessions

Professional training seminars offers advice from local leaders

Chicago (May 22, 2009) Saint Xavier University recently concluded the 2009 Leadership Academy of the South Suburbs professional training seminars at its Orland Park campus, 18230 Orland Parkway.



The program was a series of eight half-day sessions led by certified instructors and regional business leaders providing real-world experiences. Speakers included former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, Tinley Park Mayor Edward Zabrocki and DRZ Enterprises, LLC President Don Jones.

Worth Village President Randy Keller applauded the program for its useful examples from all aspects of leadership.

“It showed how to be an effective leader, such as how to handle the media, how to act quickly and how to show appreciation for your workforce,” he said. “I’ve been a manager for 25 years, and I would definitely recommend it.”

LASS trains and motivates local business professionals who wish to advance their leadership capabilities and strengthen their businesses. Participants network and build relationships with current and future area leaders.

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

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Newly renovated and expanded Saint Xavier University library named for Robert and Mary Rita Stump

Chicago (May 18, 2009)--Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. announced Sunday, May 17 during Spring Undergraduate Commencement ceremony that the newly renovated and expanded SXU library, located in the Warde Academic Center, will be named after Robert and Mary Rita Stump.

“Robert and Mary Rita Stump exemplify the mission and core values of Saint Xavier University,” President Dwyer said. “We are pleased to announce today that the expanded and renovated Library on Saint Xavier University’s Chicago campus will now be known as ‘The Robert and Mary Rita Stump Library.’”

Robert and Mary Rita Stump received also the conferral by Saint Xavier University of the degree Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa, during the undergraduate ceremony.

Mary Rita Stump is daughter of the late Morgan and Anne Murphy. Morgan Murphy, Sr. was a great friend and advisor to Saint Xavier and the Sisters of Mercy throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Between 1952-1954, Morgan Murphy, Sr. had a significant role in helping to secure the land for the Chicago Campus of Saint Xavier University. He was one of the first members of the then-College Lay Advisory Board, received an honorary degree from Saint Xavier in 1960, and was a Life Trustee of the University from 1966 until his death.

Mr. and Mrs. Stumps’ philanthropic spirit and affection for Saint Xavier University include real estate for the Orland Park Campus and financial gifts, including a gift to the Mercy Endowment Challenge.

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

Saint Xavier University's William Kresse quoted in Dallas Morning News

Read the Dallas Morning News story featuring Saint Xavier University financial fraud and identity theft expert William Kresse. William Kresse, aka "Professor Fraud," recently co-conducted the nation's largest study on identity theft, working with the Chicago Police Department. He is the architect and director of the SXU Graham School of Management's Saint Xavier University's Financial Fraud Examination and Management program, the first Financial Fraud MBA in the country.

SXU student paper The Xavierite participates in Jay Leno interview

Student Jeff LaMorte, of Worth, Ill.,
represents Xavierite

Chicago (May 15, 2009) The student newspaper of Saint Xavier University, The Xavierite, participated in a telephone conference with Tonight Show host Jay Leno on Thursday, May 14. Other participants of this telephone conference included The New York Times, CNN and The Boston Globe.

SXU Mass Communications major Jeff LaMorte, of Worth, Ill., represented The Xavierite on the conference call.

Leno talked about various subjects including: leaving the Tonight Show, his new nightly program, wishing he could interview the legendary Jack Benny, some of his favorite late night memories and why he does not like vacations.

“Even in the interview he was smart and funny,” LaMorte said. “He gave great answers, even to weird questions. His answers were genuine, and I gained a greater respect for him.”

The interview can be heard next week on WXAV 88.3 FM on Friday May 22nd at 1 p.m. CST and read in a future edition of The Xavierite. Go to http://www.sxu.edu/ and click on Xav’s Connected to stream WXAV and learn about other great ways to stay connected to Saint Xavier.

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

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USA Today cites SXU GreenBike Program

The SXU GreenBike Program is cited in a May 13, 2009 USA Today piece about how universities observed Earth Day.

Two SXU Students Confirmed by Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller

Confirmation and Blessing and Commissioning of Graduates Mass held May3rd in McDonough Chapel

Saint Xavier University students Mary Noel Larson and Christopher John Budz received the Sacrament of Confirmation at a special Sunday liturgyin McDonough Chapel on May 3rd. Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago presided at the liturgy concelebrated by Father Robert Barry, O.P. Also at the liturgy, prayers of blessing and commissioning were offered for Spring 2009 graduating students, and participants received blessed crosses from the Departmentof Campus Ministry.

Agatha O'Brien Hall featured in ACUHO-International article

Read the Association of College and University Housing Offices - International magazine article “To LEED or not the LEED,” featuring Saint Xavier University’s Agatha O’Brien Hall, which was recently designated LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Saint Xavier University became the first university or college in the state of Illinois to build a “green” building designated LEED Gold when it unveiled its first green residence hall, Arthur Rubloff Hall.

To learn more about Saint Xavier’s many green activities, including its new GreenBike Share Program, please visit http://greencampus.sxu.edu/.

Saint Xavier Spring Commencement May 17, 2009

Robert and Mary Rita Stump to receive Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa;
Richard H. Driehaus to be graduate Commencement speaker and receive Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa

Chicago (May 11, 2009)– Robert and Mary Rita Stump will receive the conferral by Saint Xavier University of the degree Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa, during the school’s undergraduate Commencement beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 17 in the SXU Shannon Center.

Richard H. Driehaus will be the Commencement speaker at the 3 p.m. graduate Commencement ceremony. He will receive a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa.

Robert F. Stump, son of the late Walter and Marie Stump, and Mary Rita Stump, daughter of the late Morgan and Anne Murphy, exemplify the mission and core values of Saint Xavier University. Morgan Murphy, Sr. was a great friend and advisor to Saint Xavier and the Sisters of Mercy throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Between 1952-1954, Morgan Murphy, Sr. had a significant role in helping to secure the land for the Chicago Campus of Saint Xavier University. He was one of the first members of the then-College Lay Advisory Board, received an honorary degree from Saint Xavier in 1960, and was a Life Trustee of the University from 1966 until his death.

Their philanthropic spirit and affection for Saint Xavier University include real estate for the Orland Park Campus and financial gifts, including a gift to the Mercy Endowment Challenge.

Saint Xavier recognized Mr. and Mrs. Stump in 2002 with the University’s highest honor, the Shield of Saint Xavier.

Richard H. Driehaus, born and raised in Chicago, is truly a multi-faceted individual. He has enjoyed enormous business success, earning a reputation within investment management industry as an investor extraordinaire. He has also focused his attention and energy on a wide variety of philanthropic and community-service oriented projects, individually and through the efforts of The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Trusts.

Mr. Driehaus earned his bachelor of science in commerce degree in 1965 and a master of business administration at DePaul University in 1970. He later endowed a Center for Behavioral Finance, established a Professorship in Behavioral Finance, endowed a Center for International Business Studies, and his foundation provides scholarship to fulltime M.B.A. students at DePaul University.

In addition, Mr. Driehaus has conveyed his gratitude to other Chicago-based educational institutions and religious orders focused on education, such as St. Ignatius College Preparatory School (his high school), St. Margaret of Scotland (his grammar school) and the School of Sisters of Notre Dame in recognition of their contributions to his success.

Mr. Driehaus made two transformational gifts to Saint Xavier University: Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon and the shopping center in which it is located; and an endowment to help Catholic elementary schools, in particular St. Margaret of Scotland. In 2006, Saint Xavier presented Mr. Driehaus with the Shield of Saint Xavier.

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

Team SXU wins “Run to Remember” fundraising award

5k run/walk benefits families of fallen Chicago police officers

“Team SXU” posing at the Chicago Police Memorial Gold Star Family Park, east of Soldier Field. (L to R: David Pasqua, Deb Pasqua, Rob Weierman, Laura Earner, Jim Brodzinski, Clay Diaz, Gary Watland, Jack Norton, Bill Kresse, Sean Watland, Larry Meneghini, Leslie Watland, Kate Watland, Kristy Allen and Nancy Devine. Not pictured: Elizabeth Eichler, Brian Lynch, Paul Reynolds and Andy Devine.)

Chicago (May 7, 2009) Saint Xavier University’s “Team SXU” received an award for raising the most donations at the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Fifth Annual “Run to Remember” 5k run/walk along the Chicago lakefront.

The event benefits the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, which assists the families of Chicago police officers who are killed or seriously injured on duty.

Team SXU was composed of Saint Xavier faculty, staff, students, alumni, family and friends. Co-captains and Graham School of Management professors Kate Watland and Bill Kresse accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Additionally, Team SXU placed 19th in the race due to the efforts of its four swiftest runners: Larry Meneghini, Rob Weierman, Sean Watland and Jack Norton.
“This is really quite an accomplishment when you consider the class of teams participating,” Kresse said. “The first two teams were the NYPD Running Club and the Fleet Feet Nike Racing Team.”

Saint Xavier and the Chicago Police last year celebrated their “Partnership in Education” program’s tenth anniversary. The two institutions collaborate on various efforts, such as Saint Xavier offering MBA programs and degree completion programs at the Chicago Police Department Education and Training Division.

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Saint Xavier ID Theft Expert featured in Dallas Morning News

Read the Dallas Morning News story featuring SXU Professor Bill Kresse as he discusses the merits of current Texas identify theft legislation. The DMN has a daily circulation of about 340,000. Kresse, aka “Professor Fraud,” is the architect and director of the SXU Graham School of Management’s Financial Fraud and Examination and Management program.

SXU hosts Community Job Search Workshop

Three workshop sessions scheduled on June 10

Chicago (May 5, 2009) Saint Xavier University will host three Community Job Search Workshop sessions from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on June 10 in the Butler Reception Room of the Warde Academic Center of the Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. The workshops are free and open to the public.

Attendees will receive career search assistance and advice, including resume/cover letter writing, interviewing, networking and job search resources.

"In accord with Saint Xavier’s Mercy commitment to service, we are offering these workshops in response to the difficult economic climate," said Jean Riordan, director of Career Services.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and sessions begin at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Additionally, Saint Xavier is sponsoring the following Community Resume Review Walk-Ins at Saint Xavier’s Chicago campus:

• 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, Student Lounge
• 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, June 25, Butler Reception Room

Pre-registration for the workshops is preferred, but registration will be allowed at the door. To register for a workshop or for more information, please contact Counseling and Career Services at (773) 298-3131 or counselingandcareerservices@sxu.edu.

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God Matters now on iTunes

New episodes begin 9:30 a.m., Sunday, April 26 on WXAV 88.3 FMChicago

(May 5, 2009) Chicago--“God Matters,” Saint Xavier University’s award-winning public affairs program, returns with all-new episodes at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 26 on WXAV 88.3 FM.

You can also listen to WXAV online at http://www.wxav.com/ or download as podcasts from iTunes .

“God Matters” examines the complexities of everyday life, and how faith and values can affect our decisions. The program took second place in the 2003 Silver Dome Awards for Best Public Affairs Programming, beating out WGN.


Saint Xavier Vice President for University Mission and Heritage Sister Susan Sanders, R.S.M, Ph.D, and Assistant Director of Campus Life: Student Media Peter Kreten host the program.
Upcoming episodes of God Matters include:

· Prof. Tatiana Tatum discussing Earth’s water supply

· Prof. Christopher Appelt discussing his study of Chicago’s monk parakeets.

· Former Chicago Tonight host John Callaway discussing the State of the Union.

· Former CBS news anchor, A&E documentary host Bill Kurtis on America’s Diet.

· Prof. Graham Peck's found transcript of an Abraham Lincoln-Stephen Douglas debate.

· Prof. Laurence Musgrove on the Power of Poetry.

· Prof. Joyce Hunter on Air Rage.· Prof. Michael O’Keeffe on The Sopranos and pop culture.

To learn more about God Matters, contact Pete Kreten at (773) 298-3375. FOR MORE INFORMATION:Contact: Joe Moore(773) 298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu

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Saint Xavier holds SSP Spring Awards Program

Chicago (May 1, 2009) Saint Xavier University held its 2008-09 Student Success program Awards Program on April 29 in the Fourth Floor Boardroom of the Warde Academic Center.

The Student Success Program is a federally funded grant program that specializes in retention and graduation of students who are low-income, first generation, or individuals with disabilities.

The Saint Xavier Annual Spring Awards program focuses on the academic achievements of its students, celebrating academic achievers and graduates, peer mentors, and the Tyesa Bowens Memorial Scholarship winners.

The 2009-10 Tyesa Bowens Scholarship Winners are Janeen Wilkey, Secondary Education, Evergreen Park; Larissa Campos-Junior, Spanish/Education; Chicago; Yvonne Schmitt, Secondary Education, Frankfort; Angela Morello-Nursing; Ashley Perisee; Spanish/Education, Oak Park. Runner-up was Joe Roccasalva, Math/Secondary Education, Chicago.
The 2009-10 SSP Spirit Award winners are Jean M. Fischer, Chicago and Gerardo Diaz, Evergreen Park.

Photos:
1) Left to Right: Ashley M. Perisee, Oak Park, Larissa Campos, Chicago, Angela M. Morello, Chicago, Joseph R. Roccasalva, Chicago, and the Director of the Student Success Program, Josiah Fuller.
2)Left to right: Jean M. Fischer, Chicago, Director of the Student Success Program Josiah Fuller, and Gerardo Diaz, Evergreen Park.

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